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CRA board gives design-phase backing for Main Street lamp-post plan ahead of 2027 Temple open house
Summary
The Salt Lake City CRA board signaled support in a straw poll to contribute $400,000 toward design and streetscape assessment for 50 pedestrian-level lamp posts and string lighting on Main Street, with board members insisting the allocation cover design only and asking staff to return with maintenance estimates and a streetscape plan.
The Community Reinvestment Agency board on March 10 signaled support, by straw poll, for up to $400,000 in design-phase funding to support a community-led plan to install 50 pedestrian-height lamp posts and string lighting along Main Street from South Temple to 400 South.
The proposal, led by community organizer Scott Anderson and designed by Struck (Brent Watts and Kiki Tempmpkin Eerys), aims to create a ‘‘Salt Lake City in bloom’’ streetscape to draw visitors to downtown for the 2027 Salt Lake Temple open house and future events, and to catalyze a broader activation plan that supporters said could also serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
‘‘We want to create a vibrant downtown for visitors and local residents alike,’’ Scott Anderson said in presenting the coalition’s vision, noting a philanthropic commitment to cover the bulk of the estimated $3.8–3.85 million project if the CRA provides the requested $400,000 toward design and early coordination.
Designers described the concept as 11–12-foot pedestrian fixtures with bee-and-beehive iconography, amber lights and polyurethane luminaires to reduce breakage. They estimated fabrication lead times of six to eight months and urged quick action to meet a March 2027 installation window.
Board members broadly praised the design but pressed staff and presenters on details before committing public funds beyond the design phase. Board member Victoria Proedum asked whether the lighting was the right near-term priority, and multiple members pressed for an estimate of long-term maintenance costs and a streetscape assessment that builds on prior Main Street studies.
Brent Watts (Struck) said the project team planned a streetscape assessment as part of the design work and that the coalition had discussed durable materials including steel, wrought iron and polyurethane lenses to address vandalism and theft concerns.
The board’s straw poll showed seven members in favor of moving forward with the $400,000 design-phase allocation, with the understanding that: the money would fund design and a streetscape assessment only; fabrication and installation would require later approvals; and the administration would return with maintenance-cost estimates, a more detailed timeline and notes on how the proposal would align with existing Main Street planning efforts.
Next steps: staff will provide a follow-up report with estimated ongoing maintenance costs, a streetscape assessment that identifies salvageable elements from prior studies, and a refined schedule before any fabrication or installation funding is sought from the CRA.
