Board selects developer for The Point, invites public contributions

By Brice Wallace

A master plan for The Point is a half-year away from reality, and the public will have the chance to contribute during its creation.

The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority has selected Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) as the lead planning firm to develop the plan for the area, a 600-acre state-owned property currently housing the Utah State Prison in Draper. It is viewed as a focal point for possible development of 20,000 acres on the Salt Lake/Utah county line after the prison relocates to a site near the Salt Lake City International Airport.

The authority said the public will have multiple opportunities to be involved in the master planning process. Work to create the plan will be divided into five main stages: identify opportunities and constraints, develop alternatives, refine the preferred alternative, refine the master plan and finalize the master plan.

“We are deeply committed to a highly collaborative approach that meaningfully involves the public in the process to create the master plan,” said Lowry Snow, a state representative and co-chair of The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority. “Given the generational significance of what happens at The Point, this is a pivotal moment for Utahns to shape the future for their children and grandchildren. We are confident that we have selected the right team to make that happen.”

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is a global collective of architects, designers, engineers and planners. Its selection by the authority came after a competitive process to solicit proposals from internationally recognized planning firms.

“SOM and its subconsultants possess the expertise to support The Point’s delivery of an iconic community intended to stimulate economic development, preserve the natural environment, improve air quality and enhance Utahns’ quality of life,” said Alan Matheson, executive director of The Point. “The depth and breadth of their planning portfolio is a testament to their capabilities. Their global experience coupled with their strong Utah connections makes them the perfect fit for the job.”

A dozen firms initially proposed on the project, and The Point’s selection committee narrowed the field to three finalists: SOM, AECOM and Perkins+Will. To guide their concepts, the authority provided each firm with the results of the recent statewide survey conducted by The Point, as well as a report written by The Point’s five working groups.

Key survey findings showed Utahns want parks, open space and trails on the site, with an approach to sustainable development that will improve air quality and enhance quality of life. The working group report outlined six key vision elements that will be used to inform the creation of the master plan: vibrant community, multimodal transportation, economic growth, innovation, sustainability and collaboration.

“We were inspired when we received the community survey results and the impressive working group reports,” said Carrie Byles, a partner at SOM. “It is evident that Utahns have been seriously considering the issues of environmental and social sustainability, and the conditions that allow innovation and businesses to thrive. It is this caliber of thought leadership and community support that can make the master plan happen and SOM could not be more honored to be part of it.”

“SOM is honored to work with state and local officials on this once-in-a-generation strategic initiative to prototype a new kind of sustainable innovation community that showcases a breathtaking natural setting and resonates authentically with Utah’s unique future-focused spirit,” said Doug Voigt, a SOM partner. “We envision a collection of distinctive and compact transit-connected neighborhoods where everything a person needs is within a 15-minute walk. This will be a locally loved and globally respected place with an environmentally attuned lifestyle that attracts world-class talent and leading companies.”

Details about The Point are at www.thepointutah.org.