Three concepts for the future of Allen Park
Authored by Brian Tonetti
Design concepts for Allen Park present three approaches for the future of the site. Share your feedback with Salt Lake City to guide the balance between the unique artworks, historic buildings, and natural space.
Salt Lake City is asking for your feedback on three different approaches to balancing Allen Park’s unique artistic history and its natural oasis for our urban birds and wildlife. Exciting work is proposed on Emigration Creek in all concepts including the removal of the culvert underneath Allen Park Drive, which hydrologically separates the upper and lower sections of the creek at the site and creates a major fish barrier. The culvert would be replaced with a bridge and the banks and floodplain restored to increase fish and wildlife connectivity.
The concepts also proposed streambank stabilization, floodplain reconnection, and riparian vegetation restoration along the entire creek. An access area on the western side of the site would slow the creek, allowing residents to get closer to the water. Additionally, all concepts envision a future trail connection to 1500 E and beyond along the creek—an opportunity proposed in the Seven Greenways Vision Plan, Wasatch Hollow to Westminster.
Concept 01. Art in the Wild
This concept combines active uses in the lower village and passive uses in the upper village. This concept envisions active uses in the lower village, preserving buildings as daytime studios for artists, scientists, and writers. Picnic areas and gathering space in the upper area provide passive recreation to enjoy the natural oasis, wildlife watch, and discover the unique artworks. This concept would add to the urban tree canopy and natural areas.
Concept 02. Arts & Sciences Collective
This concept keeps most of the buildings in the lower and upper areas as studios. The unique history of the buildings on-site would be preserved, but areas for gathering spaces would be more limited. The existing tree canopy would be preserved in this concept.
Concept 03. Cultural Village
This concept adds new structures, in addition to preserving most of the historic buildings, for studios. The new buildings would be clustered around gathering areas. This concept would likely result in a reduction of the tree canopy and natural spaces.
