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City staff announces two Smiths stores, says traffic studies will accompany development
Summary
Economic development staff told the council two Smiths retail complexes—each about 123,000 sq. ft.—are planned for South Main and the North End; the northern site is expected to open first (target ~2027) and required traffic studies and infrastructure improvements will be part of approvals.
Cedar City — Economic development staff announced on Nov. 12 that two Smiths retail developments are moving forward in Cedar City: one on South Main Street and another on the North End, each described as about 123,000 square feet.
David Johnson, the city's economic development representative, said the northern Smiths will be developed first and the company expects an opening around 2027 for the first location. Johnson told the council both sites will have additional retail pads for smaller businesses and that required traffic studies and improvements will accompany the larger developments.
In response to a public question, Johnson said Smiths owns the existing building in town and staff are already working to recruit tenants to occupy that space after Smiths moves; he described outreach efforts to help prevent long-term vacancy. He also said staff will review and require traffic and infrastructure mitigation measures as part of the permitting and development process.
Why it matters: Two full-line grocery-anchored retail centers of the size described can reshape shopping patterns and traffic in affected neighborhoods, and they can generate new sales-tax revenue, jobs and demand for municipal infrastructure investments.
Next steps: Staff will continue coordination with Smiths and potential tenants for vacated space, review traffic studies as applications arrive and bring related permits and change orders to council as required.
