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Developers and officials push for flexible, programmable town-center open space in Cottonwood Heights
Summary
At the same Dec. 16 work session, Onyx/Thrive developers and board members discussed scaling a proposed amphitheater-style open space down to a flexible plaza with removable staging, power hookups and programming. Members asked developers to engage placemaking professionals and return with A/B/C options.
Developers and Cottonwood Heights officials used a Dec. 16 Community Development and Renewal Agency work session to seek guidance on the design and programming of the Fort Union town-center open space.
The developer team (identified in discussion as Onyx/Thrive representatives) presented an amphitheater-style concept but said they were exploring smaller, more flexible designs. "Adaptability is gonna be one of the core tenants that we have," said an unnamed developer representative. Board members and developers repeatedly emphasized flexibility: removable stages, electrical and AV hookups, vendor booth capacity, and storage for temporary infrastructure.
Several board members warned against overbuilding features that can be underused. One member noted past civic amenities in other cities that draw little use and recommended hiring professionals to assess demand and feasibility. "I think flexibility in the space rules," said an unnamed board member, urging a design that can support farmers' markets, concerts, cultural events and day-to-day uses.
Participants clarified prior discussions about open-space size: Chair Quickers said earlier conversations had centered on roughly 2 to 2.5 acres; another member said public illustrations had suggested about one-third of the site would be gathering space. Developers told the board the original procurement included open-space design work, so they could continue design work without issuing a new RFP. The developer team said they had begun engaging landscape and placemaking professionals and would return with a set of options and feasibility findings for council review.
Board members asked the developer team to present evidence-based options and examples from other cities to avoid common mistakes and to ensure the space is usable across seasons and age groups. No formal action was taken; the board directed staff and the developer team to continue design work and report back.
