CEDAR CITY — Last Wednesday, the Cedar City Council considered a pitch from Bush and Gudgell to purchase several acres from the city and build two 100-foot buildings — one in the heart of Cedar City.
The first 1.2-acre property is located at approximately 120 N. 100 West in Cedar City’s Historic Downtown. Currently, it serves as a parking lot for the Downtown Parking Authority, according to the council packet.
The structure would boast multiple floors for parking and multiple floors with residential units in its 50,000-square-foot footprint.
The second building would be constructed on multiple parcels at approximately 240 N. 100 East, near Veterans Park and across from the Cedar City Library. The packet states it would also contain multiple floors for parking and residential units.
Both proposals received positive recommendations from the city’s Planning Commission on June 20 but would require “some substantial changes to the city ordinances” before construction, the packet reads.
The St. George-based company and the city would complete multiple steps before the projects begin, including ordering an appraisal on the properties in question, providing public notice of sale and opening the bidding process.
Shakespeare Development’s Adam Cutrell told the council that the buildings would be utilized for student housing or residential apartments, describing the property on 100 West as the “perfect site.”
The developers hope to help other businesses by allowing them to use the underground parking structure, which would be dedicated while those businesses are open. Their intent is not to charge for access at this time.
Comparatively, a similar project in a neighborhood would mean tearing down about 10 homes, Cutrell added, asking, “Why would I want to do that?”
“This site, again, is very important because we’re not tearing down — we’re not disrupting any neighborhoods,” he said. “This is a site that is very walkable to SUU and to also the downtown areas.”
The Planning Commission’s Carter Wilkey questioned whether the surrounding businesses could seismically support a construction project of that magnitude without structural damage. Councilmember Tyler Melling asked how the work would compare to housing 200 sheep in the basement, as the Bulloch Drug Store building historically did.
“Which one is more damaging to your foundation? I don’t know,” he said, as some in attendance laughed.
The Planning Commission’s newest member Tom Jett said many historic structures are better built than modern homes. Still, the developers should consult structural engineers to ensure it is not risky.
Cutrell said that the developers have spoken to nearby business owners, who, while thinking they’re “crazy,” are in favor of the project.
Laura Henderson asked if Cedar City’s Historic Preservation Commission has vetted the project and if the project could cause the student housing district to be expanded once again.
Cutrell said he’s spoken with Councilman R. Scott Phillips multiple times, saying he seemed very concerned with the building’s aesthetics and proposed height, as the top three stories will be visible from the east side of Main Street. Most other buildings nearby are between 15-20 feet high. Phillips was absent.
“We’re trying to preserve and enrich the downtown area, whether we’re calling it student housing or whatnot,” he said. “Again, … what we want to do is put something there that we can all be proud of that’s going to support the businesses.”
While Melling was not opposed to disposing of the property, he said there are still unanswered questions concerning the best use of the land and how much the city is willing to amend ordinances or allow variances.
“We still get quite a bit of pushback on 50 feet,” he said.
One of the city’s goals is to increase the livability and walkability of its downtown area, and Melling said it would be best to reduce the amount of asphalt in the area. He previously discussed these concepts with St. George News as part of an effort to meet Cedar City’s increasing housing needs.
The building on 100 East is planned to tie into the Cedar City Library’s aesthetic with an “ultra-modern” design within walking distance of downtown, Cutrell said, adding that they hope to provide commercial amenities as well.
The City Council is expected to vote on whether the city should dispose of the property next Wednesday, but they will not approve the buildings’ construction nor who will purchase the parcels in question.
A development agreement may be penned should the city move forward. City Manager Paul Bittmenn said that disposing of the properties could take as long as 90 days.
Next Wednesday’s meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in attending can do so in person at the Cedar City Offices on 10 North Main Street or by visiting the council’s YouTube page. The video will appear under the “live” tab.
Watch the full discussion below:
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