[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6090067,"mediaKeyId","2869561-9ab6145056ad3c772ee4b1e75abbcd5d","parentId",2869561,"title","Consultants brief HLC on Liberty Park cultural landscape report and draft vision plan","audioSeconds",893,"startMs",5526000,"endMs",6419000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869561-9ab6145056ad3c772ee4b1e75abbcd5d&start=5526&end=6419","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869561-9ab6145056ad3c772ee4b1e75abbcd5d/thumbnail_5526000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6090067/Salt-Lake-City/Salt-Lake-County/Utah/Consultants-brief-HLC-on-Liberty-Park-cultural-landscape-report-and-draft-vision-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090067-a6cf2fa99a7889e6566ced7568d9fd3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199987&Signature=jN6SnPY-4dsAe4AXtUkzFbWlO27fac3EP5Dzwjdr1h4OLubk9ihjDlWpbClWuz-zleTczwGeOPf6YPp9cq77Q64blg7ox~RhCuURUzqyVyDnOiK4pUhZiBIz36lDBw6RTwYs2GfgqkGY3nkBqeR1XEbh319LnGA4WW-rv7dEOdr6MZ8FHeESNMuhYmf0SKSK2bpGRJz0Vf2fiaE-VAsNLitWpZW78QFT7HM23ZGxzXcvlm9Xo2~KF97PV2Gbx9zN6TPyxoHrjBgM980lqhEIgkcS6Sk9bYmhUG6bD1~YfZ0lrdaxWSxalpHmK7mBrqGa7vZ5garCRH3BfTsT7O0aQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salt Lake City, Utah","date","2025-04-04T02:23:02.103Z","article","Salt Lake City staff and consultants presented an informational update to the Historic Landmark Commission on a cultural landscape report (CLR) and an associated vision plan for Liberty Park, describing the work completed to date and the next steps in outreach and analysis.

Catherine Sontag, an associate landscape architect with Public Lands, introduced a team from Mundus Bishop, which is preparing a 30%-draft CLR. Tina Bishop and Kelly Ream of Mundus Bishop briefed the commission on the project schedule, the report’s scope and early findings.

Key points: the consultants recommended extending the park’s period of significance from the existing National Register nomination window (ending 1899) through 1969 to capture mid-century changes that contributed to Liberty Park’s character — notably the conversion of the central route from vehicular access to a pedestrian promenade between about 1950 and 1969. Ream said the CLR will document physical characteristics (park composition, circulation hierarchy, alleys and groves and vegetation), provide a condition assessment and offer treatment and planning guidance to inform the companion vision plan.

Outreach and process: the project team described plans for a technical advisory committee (internal city departments and subject matter experts), a community advisory committee (external stakeholders) and broader public engagement via online surveys, pop-up events and open houses. The CLR and the vision plan are being developed in tandem so findings and community input inform both documents.

Trees and long-term stewardship: consultants said trees are a primary draw for Liberty Park, that several legacy specimen trees date to early park development and that staff will incorporate a tree-succession plan in the CLR to guide species selection and long-term replacement. Staff noted work is already underway to protect large trees through best-practice park maintenance and that future treatment recommendations will prioritize vegetation management.

Public comment and concerns: commissioners and members of the public raised questions about bicycle circulation, unsheltered-encampment presence and the status of the 7 Canyons Fountain. Consultants said they are coordinating with the fountain redesign team and will consider culturally significant later-era features in the CLR’s treatment recommendations even if the period of significance is capped at 1969.

No action was requested or taken; the presentation was informational. The consultants asked commissioners for feedback and signaled a 30%-draft submittal and a forthcoming vision-phase outreach schedule as next steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Historical Landmark Commission Meeting -- 04/03/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff and consultants presented a 30%-level cultural landscape report for Liberty Park recommending an expanded period of significance (to 1969) and outlining a parallel vision-plan process, technical and community advisory committees, and forthcoming outreach and tree-succession work.","taxTitle","Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah","taxId",2941,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090072,"Historic Landmark Commission approves demolition requests at Trolley Square properties",2916,2473000,5389000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869561-9ab6145056ad3c772ee4b1e75abbcd5d&start=2473&end=5389","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869561-9ab6145056ad3c772ee4b1e75abbcd5d/thumbnail_2473000.jpg","/articles/6090072/Salt-Lake-City/Salt-Lake-County/Utah/Historic-Landmark-Commission-approves-demolition-requests-at-Trolley-Square-properties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090072-ce85058923c791321cd559f421bb9e19/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199988&Signature=RSy4YVz3fA1SHmlml1E5XoNW7VpwsFibUCJhGBMCet-LLTFrels8W3yNLNrt3xraoJjWfWgBJtgbxL2zzTTE7tZPrrfb6KOiPvHbS0GcRbcdZqOhAQ~5qicpNUtwc-5c4R3Vv7X-pNJvVb66wp8yZ4vMx95jPljeeoIFC3KGghSByBSEnPyZj4Q4uLASFMs0irIb7jgTiNdnDfRFwZqqbT6VoBDaSmroA6cSTe14QjJy-KNxpbnNXF-sL~76dlEAMS2NBRxY-fbt0s7KQDOF6cp4mf2tWJhYK2cX2voJCvVTEzvS-ZT3uTqnR3UcbArYGZUHdAANwrTwiGcx5A8nEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Salt Lake City’s Historic Landmark Commission approved three separate demolition applications for contributing buildings near Trolley Square after staff determined each application satisfied the applicable demolition criteria used in the local historic district review.

The three properties under consideration are 652 East 600 South (PLNHLC 202401448), 664 East 600 South (PLNHLC 202401445) and 665 East Ely Place (PLNHLC 202401447). Planning staff told the commission the properties are contributing resources under an earlier 2013 reconnaissance survey but that each property met only three of five demolition standards in Salt Lake City code (staff cited Section 21-8-34-20 for the demolition-review standards).

Staff analyst Lex Straubber summarized the review: the properties retain elements of their historic form but no longer met standards related to historic integrity and the possibility of adaptive reuse given current base zoning, staff said. Straubber noted one parcel had been approved for demolition previously in 2017 but that the work had not occurred; another structure in the group was already slated for demolition after being declared a public-safety hazard by the building official following a fire, and a demolition permit for that building had already been issued.

Applicant representatives said the properties have deteriorated substantially since earlier reviews. Architect Jerry Walker described roof failure, water damage and vandalism, and said salvage opportunities would be pursued where practical: “Whatever could be used somewhere else, we’re more than happy to help with that,” Walker said.

Public comment: long-time local preservation advocate Cindy Cromer urged the commission to reconsider demolition and asked that the commission require archival documentation for the most intact building (665 East Ely Place). Cromer provided written comments, listed a history of previous demolitions in the district and asked the commission to deposit documentation at the state archives if the building were demolished.

Commission discussion reflected competing priorities. Several commissioners stressed their role in safeguarding historic resources and said the Central City local historic district has lost many contributory buildings over time. Other commissioners noted severe structural deterioration and the difficulty of economical rehabilitation when roofs and foundations have failed. Commissioners also discussed the development context: the three houses sit amid a largely parking-lot landscape around the Trolley Square mall and applicants said owner Cosgrove’s team intends to develop the site themselves rather than sell it to a third-party developer.

Actions and votes (recorded at the meeting):
- 664 East 600 South (PLNHLC202401445): Motion to approve demolition as recommended by staff; recorded vote: Babs DeLay — aye; Adrian White — aye; Emily Kearns — aye; Allen Barnett — no; Chair — aye. Tally recorded in transcript: 4 in favor, 1 opposed (motion approved).
- 665 East Ely Place (PLNHLC202401447): Motion to approve demolition as recommended by staff; recorded vote: unanimous in favor on the record (commissioners present recorded as voting aye).
- 652 East 600 South (PLNHLC202401448): Motion to approve demolition as recommended by staff; recorded vote: 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Allen Barnett recorded as no), motion approved.

Conditions and follow-up: staff reminded the commission that, by code, demolition may not proceed until new-construction plans receive the necessary approvals; applicants acknowledged they had not submitted final new-construction plans and said they would not submit designs until the demolition status was resolved. Staff noted that the building in the middle of the group that had been fire-damaged already has an issued demolition permit and will be removed regardless of these votes.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff and applicants to preserve documentation and salvageable elements where feasible. Several commissioners asked staff to ensure that any future new-construction proposals address the remaining corner house and the block’s context with sensitivity to the local historic district.","The commission approved demolition of three contributing buildings near Trolley Square after staff said the structures no longer met applicable demolition standards; commissioners split on preservation concerns and requested documentation in public comment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090077,"Salt Lake City commission backs clarifying zoning exemptions for public utilities",1374,959000,2333000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869561-9ab6145056ad3c772ee4b1e75abbcd5d&start=959&end=2333","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869561-9ab6145056ad3c772ee4b1e75abbcd5d/thumbnail_959000.jpg","/articles/6090077/Salt-Lake-City/Salt-Lake-County/Utah/Salt-Lake-City-commission-backs-clarifying-zoning-exemptions-for-public-utilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090077-838cf720d20be094cfd6edcfbb2c30d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199988&Signature=f3VCx4rAGtCFJF1MTiGiWAEdwCENfaUnNHqjVNdGOOytx0iuIGEkhtJSCNHF2G0F3kioC1vq7YdN~eB1DNvZTH7jF9vgT35Stn3dM6rNKu9jfbfe8Q82jWtK8JQUrM33fuPJZnM4ytph4-i-AsKZ4PwXTb66jGu~Eehe0IrATI~pA9zu3BTQj~u~~8XrwC0sg~VxvJSebk-tapLT2Jfn6CoXK~~B81C5bHB5Wa3z5B1KvO2y4hBYbg3Jisd4K7xGGqIIkWg3GBd7QzttO3upep9jOMGB5ghgYyNhfdJAYhhVqg1JUMf3i4vgWErTYgAVSs7uIA8PyRZhwuYklYU5wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Salt Lake City’s Historic Landmark Commission voted unanimously to forward a mayor-initiated zoning text amendment clarifying utility exemptions and allowing additional administrative review for some public-utility structures in the city’s historic overlay.

The amendment (case PLN PCM 2024-01352) was presented by planning staff member David, who said the change would explicitly add government-owned antennas and fences or walls that restrict access to utility sites to the list of uses exempted from zoning design standards. It also clarifies utility-related footnotes, slightly tweaks the code definition of “utility” and adds an administrative-review pathway for certain public-utility construction that would otherwise require a public hearing in the historic overlay.

The measure’s purpose, David said, is to resolve practical conflicts between utility operational needs and the standards intended for traditional buildings: “...it’s really difficult for utilities to meet zoning requirements and meet the standards as they’re intended for buildings,” he said, adding that administrative review would preserve a 45-day public notice period while removing the formal public-hearing step for some cases.

Why it matters: the change is intended to speed delivery of essential infrastructure that staff said can sometimes be delayed by a full hearing process — for example, when rapid repairs are needed for pump houses or other public-safety systems. David told commissioners that staff would still refer large or controversial projects to the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) if public feedback or scale warranted it.

During public comment, Liberty Park historian Cindy Cromer urged caution, saying she was “very much opposed to waiving requirements in historic districts” and that exempting utilities could produce inequities if private property owners remain subject to stricter design rules. Cromer reminded the commission of past instances when public processes altered or halted utility projects in parks and said those reviews prevented costly or unnecessary work.

Commission discussion centered on scale and precedent. Several commissioners said they supported administrative review for small or time-sensitive installations while preserving the commission’s ability to require a full hearing for substantial or highly visible structures. Staff reiterated that the proposal does not remove material- or durability-based requirements and that administrative review would not be automatic for larger principal structures: “If we got a lot of feedback, then we certainly would bring it to HLC,” David said.

Action and next steps: Commissioner Adrian White moved, and Commissioner Emily Kearns seconded, that the commission forward a recommendation to adopt the zoning text amendment to city council. The motion passed on a recorded vote of 6-0. The file will proceed to City Council for consideration; the transcript shows the commission’s recommendation but does not record any City Council action.

The commission did not set any conditions tied to specific projects during the meeting, and staff said routine notifications to property owners within 300 feet would still apply for new principal-structure reviews.

Ending note: The staff presentation said the changes would not apply to cell towers and would preserve review for solar panels and certain other infrastructure. Staff recommended approval to the City Council and commissioners agreed to forward that recommendation for the council’s decision.","The Historic Landmark Commission reviewed a mayor-initiated zoning text amendment to clarify which utility structures are exempt from design standards and to allow administrative review in certain historic-overlay cases; the commission unanimously voted to forward a recommendation to city council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Consultants brief HLC on Liberty Park cultural landscape report and draft vision plan

Historic Landmark Commission approves demolition requests at Trolley Square properties

Salt Lake City commission backs clarifying zoning exemptions for public utilities