PROJECT HISTORY
The challenge
Creating a vibrant neighborhood from the rubble of a former prison campus.
The Point Utah: Sustainable Urban Development Case Study
The Point Utah: Showcasing Sustainable Urban Development
The solution
A new urban center with ambitious sustainability aspirations, featuring a vibrant mix of amenities, sustainable transport, and public spaces connecting nature and urban life.
The impact
A rejuvenated landscape blending connectivity, innovation, and community vibrancy serving as a pivotal economic driver for the state of Utah.
3,000
Homes
16
Acres of parks and public spaces
30%
Power from renewable resources
The challenge
Located in Draper, Utah, spanning 600 acres of state-owned land, a former prison campus stands as a pivotal opportunity in the state's history for transformation and progress. With ambitious development plans in place, the vision is to transform the site into a vibrant mixed-use town center. This redevelopment aims to cultivate a community that nurtures innovation and technological advancement, offers green spaces and parks for residents to enjoy, and fosters economic opportunities to elevate the quality of life for Utahns.
The solution
As the master planners and architectural designers for the initial 100-acre phase, Arcadis crafted a compelling vision of an accessible urban center, anchored around a pedestrian-oriented festival street, a regional bicycle trail, and a central park. Guiding the client team through a developer competition, an interactive design process engaged key stakeholders within the state of Utah, resulting in a successful 6.1 million square foot proposal.
This project will conform to the most aggressive sustainability standards for the state of Utah in the reduction of energy usage, embodied carbon, and operational carbon, in addition to featuring an extensive bicycle and pedestrian network, affordable housing provision, and ample public spaces for community activities. A standout component is the 'River to Range' trail, linking the Jordan River to the Wasatch Mountains, running parallel to the main street in the initial phase. Additionally, The Point will integrate with the existing commuter rail line via a new station on its western boundary and will be complemented by a light-rail station along a recently-approved route.
Following our team's appointment to the project, we helped to navigate political aspects of the development agreement and finalized the master plan, encompassing 2.5 million square feet of office space, 3,000 housing units, 350,000 square feet of retail, two hotels, a 4,000-seat performance venue, and 16 acres of parks and public spaces. At the heart of the district lies the Promenade, a four-block pedestrian-focused shopping area blending festival street elements with a European-style plaza, creating a vibrant destination for the entire Salt Lake City region. The Promenade runs parallel to the River to Range trail and links the Central Park to a historic chapel building.
The impact
The project stands out as a beacon of sustainability initiatives in Utah, showcasing a strong commitment to renewable energy, water conservation, and the promotion of affordable housing. The Point will boast a direct link to the Frontrunner commuter rail line, two planned light rail transit stations, and will feature an internal network of cutting-edge mobility solutions, bike paths, and an extensive trail network. The Point has also created a public art district to self-fund public art throughout the neighborhood.
It will serve as an incubator for innovative sustainability initiatives with aggressive goals to reduce water usage by 30%, reduce energy conservation, draw 30% of its power from renewable resources, and divert a high percentage (60%) of construction waste.
Fundamentally, The Point symbolizes a neighborhood reborn from the remains of a former state prison campus. It represents a shift from confinement to ambition, from stagnation to innovation, fostering a lively and inclusive community. Serving as a central hub for the City of Draper, it acts as a pivotal economic driver for the entire state of Utah. This is a place where various transportation modes intersect, creating a transit-rich, pedestrian-friendly, and cycle-centric neighborhood anchored by a bustling main street and inviting public spaces where generations can bond, and businesses can thrive.
