The story might have broken a few months ago, but we’re still buzzing about Salt Lake City’s proposed Depot District that will soon break ground near the iconic Rio Grande Depot just south of The Gateway. The initial scope of the project puts the development between 5th West and 6th West, stretching between 2nd South and 4th South, with possible further developments reaching as far south as the Granary District, where warehouse conversions and a new brewery are already in the works. The Depot District will serve to revitalize the aging Station Center neighborhood and complement UTA’s intermodal hub that lies just southwest of Rio Grande.

“The redevelopment already beginning on the west side of downtown Salt Lake City is creating hip neighborhoods where young people are congregating to create exciting new companies,” said Devin Thorpe, Chairman of MWCN. “We expect to see companies appearing on the Utah 100 Emerging Elite from that neighborhood within a few years.”

While the project is several years from completion, we’re thrilled at opportunities the development will provide for entrepreneurs to spread their wings and take advantage of the SLC’s booming west side. The area sits on already existing Trax and FrontRunner lines, has already seen new up-scale housing developments (like Liberty Gateway), and boasts an up-and-coming art district. The development also promises to offer street fair space, which will provide additional opportunities for drawing large crowds to the area. And while developers have assured that the Depot District won’t be another Gateway, we see ample opportunities that will serve to revitalize that outdoor shopping space that has suffered since City Creek came to town.

Young, business-savvy entrepreneurs will be fighting to corner real estate in new and exciting areas like the Depot District. How hungry are you to score a slice of the pie?