We just think maybe they should do a little updating around here, but still keep the small-town shop; nothing big, no big apartment complexes, nothing like that. – Heidi Bishop, resident
SALT LAKE CITY — Development may soon be spreading from the heart of Sugar House east to the neighborhoods near 21st and 21st.
People in the area are already fired up about proposed neighborhood renovations that could include putting up a five-story building in place of a favorite local eatery.
The corner of 2100 East and 2100 South harkens to the past — a '40s, '50s and '60s string of neighborhood shops that have definitely seen better days.
Yet there is affection for the Sugar House neighborhood's intersection of 21st and 21st.
“We just think maybe they should do a little updating around here, but still keep the small-town shop; nothing big, no big apartment complexes, nothing like that,” said resident Heidi Bishop.
But that's exactly what a developer might be considering. The city has a pending zoning change request for the corner to allow a retail-residential complex up to 55 feet tall. It would likely involve new buildings, which means the old ones would be torn down.
"You can look at what we currently have on the corner, and everyone understands something's going to have to change in the future," Salt Lake City Councilman Charlie Luke said.
Some of the buildings in the area need some major repairs, such as a new roof.
In some ways, a change might be seem like a good idea, but to a lot of people, it's a bad one when it includes the Blue Plate Diner. It's an institution full of character in this neighborhood, and people have affection for the food — and especially the atmosphere.
“I've been eating here for years,” said diner and resident Joe Gondek. “I really enjoy the food and whole atmosphere thing and hate to see that go.”
When it comes to redevelopment in this area, it may be a case of not if but when.
“Blight is no good, but neither is poor planning and allowing something that's going to change the character of the neighborhood,” said resident Cameron Carpenter.
Email: rpiatt@deseretnews.com