City Council votes on previously tabled mixed-use development plan for downtown St. George

ST. GEORGE — A multistory, mixed-use development proposed for the corner of 300 West and St. George Boulevard that was twice-tabled by the St. George City Council was approved to move forward Thursday night.

A graphic showing what the proposed 300 West project presented to the St. George City on July 21 meeting, St. George, Utah, Sept. 1, 2022 | Image courtesy of the city of St. George, St. George News

Located east of Smith’s Marketplace and the Walgreens pharmacy, the 300 West mixed-use project originally was proposed to be a five-story structure that would stand 70 feet high and sport commercial space on the first floor and 52 residential units on the floors above it.

The height of the original design drew concern from members of City Council, particularly Councilman Jimmie Hughes, who said he did not like how tall the building was – buildings can be 55 feet high before requiring permission from the council to go higher – and worried about the precedent allowing it in the downtown area might create.

“I’m not against these projects, but I don’t want them to overrun the downtown either,” said Hughes, noting at the time the city did not have solid guidelines regarding the approval of multistory buildings in that part of town.

Hughes said he was afraid St. George Boulevard could become a “concrete corridor” of multistory buildings if the council wasn’t careful.

The first attempt for a zone change needed to move the project along was made during the council’s July 21 meeting and resulted in the proposal being tabled. A follow-up during the council’s Aug. 4 meeting saw the project tabled a second time.

It’s either going to be the third time’s a charm or three strikes and you’re out,” Mayor Michele Randall said of the project Thursday evening as it was brought to the council once more.

A graphic showing what the updated 300 West project presented to the St. George City during its Sept. 1 meeting, St. George, Utah, Sept. 1, 2022 | Image courtesy of the city of St. George, St. George News

This time proved the “charm” as the council was shown significant changes made to the project. Specifically, the fifth floor was removed in order to match the city’s pre-approved 55-foot height limit. This also resulted in a reduction of residential units from 52 to 39.

That was a change Hughes and the rest of the council approved of and allowed to pass.

“It’s not my favorite, but it meets the requirements,” said Hughes, adding he was thankful to the developer working with the city on the matter.

The 300 West project will continue the trend of building mixed-use complexes in the downtown area similar to nearby Joule Plaza and City View.

According to conceptual site plans shared with City Council, in addition to commercial space, the ground floor also will hold an amenity space for the residents in addition to an outdoor recreation space located in the rear. Both surface and underground parking are planned for residents and commercial patrons.

The 300 West complex and its accompanying parking lot will cover a sizable portion of the corner of 300 West and St. George Boulevard. The boundaries of the project also will wrap around the Sun City Glass building that sits on 300 West.

A shot of the auto repair shop on St. George Boulevard currently being used as a hobby shop. It is one of the building that would be torn down to make way for a five-story, mixed-use project if approved by the St. George City Council | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Currently, a car lot and auto repair shop used as a part-time hobby shop occupy the location where the mixed-use building is proposed. The remaining project area will cover what is described in city documents as an “unfinished dirt area that houses a few vehicles.”

“I think it’ll fit in really good there next to Smith’s and Walgreens,” Hughes said following the council meeting.

Now set at four stories, the 300 West project won’t be as overwhelming or set a five-story precedent for downtown development, he said. However, concerns about higher densities in the downtown and the aesthetics surrounding them will remain a concern in general, Hughes added.

It has been a goal of the current and previous St. George City Councils to encourage people to live, work and play in the downtown area. Because of that, council discussion has been ongoing as to where mixed-use and other types of developments could go to determine what appropriate use is and whether it will aid in the general mission of drawing people in while also preserving the look and feel of the historic downtown.

“When we talk to residents, the main concern is: ‘Don’t wreck the downtown,’” Hughes said.

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