The Point
Utahns have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop the 600 acres of state-owned property called “The Point” in a way that is economically robust and environmentally sustainable. Located in the Point of the Mountain area, The Point is well-served by vital infrastructure, centrally located at the heart of Utah’s fast-growing technology industry and surrounded by more than 20,000 acres of undeveloped land in area communities.
Widely recognized as one of the most important economic development opportunities in state history, The Point offers unprecedented potential to create an innovation hub that fosters technological advancement, facilitates mixed-use urban areas and preserves parks and open space. In addition, The Point’s natural assets provide an opportunity for the site to develop in an environmentally friendly way that enhances Utahn,s quality of life.
THE POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN BROUGHT TOGETHER RESIDENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS TO CREATE THE VISION FOR AN INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED JOB CENTER, AS WELL AS A PLACE WITH A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE.
Envision Utah was chosen by the Point of the Mountain Development Commission to lead the Point of the Mountain visioning process. This process revolved around public input and collaboration and was driven by research and careful analysis. Some of the most experienced consultants in the country were brought in to tackle topics that will be key in the region’s development. We worked with stakeholders and the community to help ensure that the Point of the Mountain region reaches its full potential as a high-tech center while preserving the unique features that current residents love about the area.
Modeling of THE POINT
RARELY DOES A REGION HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE THIS
The Point of the Mountain area, extending from Sandy to Lehi, is well situated to become an economic powerhouse for a growing high-tech economy. Already home to many high-tech firms, the area is located midway between the University of Utah and Brigham Young University and is surrounded by rapidly expanding housing for all pay scales. Significant potential also exists for outdoor recreation, with the Jordan River Parkway. With the right vision, this location could generate billions of dollars in economic growth for Utahan's. In addition, if planned right, the Point of the Mountain area could encourage sustainable growth, reduce driving, and improve air quality.
Much of this potential exists even with the Utah State Prison in place, but the anticipated relocation of the prison opens land that could be used to catalyze the growth of the entire area, providing the site characteristics that will appeal to employers and employees. The value of the prison site is largely dependent on the economic success of the entire surrounding area, and the economic success of the surrounding area is dependent on a forward looking plan for the prison site
REGIONAL VISION FOR THE POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN
An illustrative map showing some of the concepts contained in the Point of the Mountain Vision, including the 12 signature elements
DRAPER PRISION SITE PLACEMAKING EXAMPLE
A site plan detailing how the Draper prison site could be an example of the 12 signature elements contained within the Point of the Mountain vision.
THE VISION
The vision is distilled down to twelve signature elements with goals, strategies, and short-term tasks designed to help guide the Point of the Mountain towards the future chosen by residents throughout the process to date. The twelve signature elements of the vision are:
- A deep, diverse, and highly-trained workforce
- Improved air quality and natural resource use
- A connected network of trails, parks, and open space
- Vibrant urban centers
- Jobs close to where people live
- A variety of community and housing types
- A new north-south boulevard
- A connected street network
- World-class public transportation
- North-south and east-west throughput
- A catalytic job core & urban center at the prison site
- A nationally-recognized research and university presence
