Provo residents rally to save Rugged Grounds coffee shop from redevelopment plans

Rugged Grounds Coffee Shop Faces Demolition Amid Community Outcry in Provo

At a recent Provo City Planning Commission meeting, the future of Rugged Grounds, a beloved local coffee shop, sparked passionate pleas from community members who fear losing a vital gathering space. The shop, housed in a historic building, is threatened by a proposed development that aims to replace it with high-density apartments.

Stacy Welk, a barista at Rugged Grounds, emphasized the shop's role as a "third place"—a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe informal public gathering spots that foster community interaction. "Our shop is the heart of our community," she stated, highlighting the 2,109 signatures on a petition opposing the demolition. Welk and others argued that the loss of Rugged Grounds would not only displace employees but also erase a significant part of Provo's cultural identity.

Monroe Madsen, another barista, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the coffee shop has become a refuge for many, providing a sense of belonging and connection. "To demolish our building would be robbing the city of its third locations," Madsen warned, stressing the importance of preserving spaces that nurture community ties.

Community members raised concerns about the proposed apartments, questioning whether they truly address the housing crisis. Noah Krzyznik pointed out that the development's plans include only a small number of two-bedroom units, leaving many residents in need of affordable housing without suitable options. He described the current housing situation as forcing young couples to live in basements while paying high rents for subpar living conditions.

As the meeting progressed, several speakers highlighted the broader implications of prioritizing development over community spaces. Emma Sorenson, a lifelong Provo resident, urged the commission to consider the long-term effects of displacing local businesses. "What makes places that the public actually wants to live are third spaces," she said, advocating for a balance between development and preserving the unique character of the neighborhood.

The developers behind the project received a $25.6 million loan intended for affordable housing, but many residents questioned whether the project would genuinely benefit the community. Sadie Crowley, one of the owners of Rugged Grounds, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from the developers and the city. "We aren't just a coffee shop. We're a central gathering place fostering connection and a vibrant supportive community," she stated.

As the meeting concluded, community members left the commission with pressing questions: How will the city ensure that the loss of Rugged Grounds is addressed? What steps will be taken to preserve the sense of belonging that such spaces provide? The future of this cherished coffee shop remains uncertain, but the voices of Provo residents are clear—they want to protect their community's heart.