Murray planning commission approves Rockworth Block 1 mixed‑use design review

The Murray City Planning Commission on Aug. 21 granted design review approval for Rockworth Companies’ Block 1 mixed‑use development on properties between 4800 South and Fifth Avenue, from State Street on the east to Hanauer on the west, subject to nine conditions from staff and the Architectural Review Committee.

City planner Zach Smallwood presented the staff report and recommended approval, saying the project “is consistent with the goals and objectives of Murray City of the Murray City general plan” and conforms with the city center form‑based code and the downtown strategic plan. After a presentation and questions from commissioners, the commission voted unanimously to approve the design review; Commissioner Jake Pearson moved the motion and Commissioner Peter Kling seconded.

Why it matters: the Block 1 project would add a four‑story multifamily building and three two‑story mixed‑use buildings to the form‑based city center district and is one of the first developments reviewed under Murray’s updated form‑based code. The project is intended to activate the State Street corridor with ground‑floor commercial space and a pedestrian plaza while returning some right‑of‑way and sidewalk area to the city.

Key facts and outcome - The approved plan calls for approximately 140 residential units in the four‑story building and roughly 45,000 square feet of commercial…