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Nu Skin Public Hearing Postponed
The Public Hearing on the Nu Skin project will be postponed until March 23rd. The company has asked for more time to discuss the project with concerned parties including the Utah Department of Transportation and Bus Rapid Transit.
The council won’t be voting on this issue tonight, but there are still quite a few matters on the agenda. Please show up and share your opinions!
Your Voice: Nu Skin Privately Owned Public Plaza
During Tuesday’s city council study meeting, Nu Skin made a proposal that could have a major impact on the downtown area. They would like to build a multi-story, multi-million dollar building on the southwest corner of 100 West and Center Street.
In order to complete this project, Nu Skin is asking the city to vacate the public street on 100 West from Center Street to 100 South. After closing the street to traffic, an atrium will be built connecting the two Nu Skin buildings. In return for the city’s cooperation, Nu Skin is offering to build a privately-owned public space on 100 West that includes a statue, a water feature, and room for community events.
Pros: This project will add many jobs to the downtown area. Hundreds of additional employees will improve business downtown by patronizing Center Street’s shops and restaurants. The Nu Skin plan calls for retail space on the ground level, which contributes to the character of Center Street (i.e. there will be room for shops, not just offices). Most importantly, a private company will fund a public space that improves downtown. The city cannot afford to take on many new projects now – this is a way to give the public an area to congregate, hold events, and enjoy without making the public pay for it.
Cons: If we go through with the agreement, Provo will lose a portion of a public street. The street closure may be particularly troublesome to people who usually drive through Center Street on 100 West. Bus rapid transit organizers were originally intending to use the street that will be closed, and they will need to find an alternative route. It may also be difficult to create a historic look for the new structure while still allowing it to match the existing building. A historic-looking building connected to the current glass building is likely to seem out of place.
The city council will discuss this issue on the March 2nd meeting. What do you think? Share your thoughts below or contact Sterling: sterling @ sterlingbeck.com.