Future downtown plan nears finalization
Eagle Mountain City is advancing its plans for a future downtown that is intended to serve as a hub for community, small businesses and some City events.
After months of discussions between City officials, residents and MHTN Architects, the vision for the downtown is coming into focus, with final plans expected to be adopted in February.
“The outcome of all the hard work that has gone into this is looking fantastic. This plan is meeting all of our objectives in a beautiful way,” says Economic Development Director Evan Berrett.
Over the past several months, MHTN has worked closely with City leaders and the community to develop a preferred design for the downtown. This vision incorporates public feedback gathered through surveys, project boards placed in schools and stores, open houses, and events held throughout the city.
“This process has been resident-focused from day one,” says Berrett. “We wanted this downtown area to be designed around the desires and identity of the community.”
Earlier this month, the City Council reviewed the preferred concept. The design received high praise from the Council during Tuesday night’s City Council work session meeting.
The downtown plan goes beyond conceptual designs. It also includes architectural and landscaping recommendations, guidelines for hosting events, strategies for maintaining the area over time, and detailed implementation planning.
“A plan is only useful to us if it can be executed,” says Berrett. “The City is going to great lengths to ensure not just the successful development of this vision, but that the purposes of this downtown space are achieved and maintained for generations to come.”
MHTN is in the final stages of revising the Downtown Master Plan. The completed draft will be presented to the City’s steering committee within the next two weeks. Pending approval, the City Council is scheduled to review the plan for adoption at its Feb. 18 meeting.
Once the plan is adopted, Eagle Mountain will move into implementation planning, coordinating with strategic partners and working through an approved phasing schedule.
Small businesses will play a key role in the future downtown’s success. The area will provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs and enhance the area’s economic vitality. Additionally, the downtown will include recreational, cultural, educational and entertainment options designed to serve residents and visitors.
While the City plans to secure land and establish standards, options exist on exactly how the downtown will be developed and operated.
The downtown initiative is part of a larger effort to meet the growing needs of Eagle Mountain’s expanding population. Neighboring communities, including Saratoga Springs, are also experiencing rapid growth, further highlighting the demand for centralized spaces that can accommodate residents and visitors alike.
“We are fortunate to be in a position where we can take the lessons learned from communities around the nation and design and build a space like this from the ground up that is truly meant for us,” says Berrett.
As the City prepares for the final stages of adoption and implementation, residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in shaping Eagle Mountain’s future downtown through the project web page.
The Downtown Master Plan marks a significant step in Eagle Mountain’s plans to create a central space that will benefit the community for years to come.