Microsoft, Nordstrom Raise Local Profiles With New Stores

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

Two big names in retail—one fashion, one high-tech—are targeting Greater Salt Lake City for growth. On April 11, Microsoft opened a 3,500-square-foot space at City Creek Center. Nordstrom Inc. has announced plans to open a 29,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack this fall at Station Park in Farmington.

The Nordstrom Rack will be the third in metro Salt Lake City for the brand, which offers merchandise at 50 to 60 percent discounts. Nordstrom also operates two regular full-line stores in the Salt Lake City region.

Microsoft’s 3,500-square-foot store at City Creek Center, the 700,000-square-foot regional mall that opened in March 2012, is its the software giant’s 33^rd. It is also part of a strategy of challenging the experience in the retail stores operated by rival Apple Inc.

Microsoft’s store is showcasing its products’ new direction by means of high-tech accents like a digital wall that projects Xbox games and other activities. All devices feature touchscreens and operate with Microsoft products. The store also offers a community theater for public screenings, an amenity that Microsoft hopes will help boost its profile in the community.

Summer Kickoff Eyed for Geneva Steel Site Redevelopment

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

 After years of planning, one of the state’s biggest master-planned developments may be only months away from construction on the former site of Geneva Steel in Vineyard.

Anderson Geneva Development recently revealed plans to develop up to 2 million square feet of office space, 7,500 residential units and a rail hub on a 100-acre parcel. In all, the community could accommodate up to 20,000 residents. The Vineyard Redevelopment Agency approved plans for the project in 2011 and construction could start this summer.

According to Deseret News, the mixed-use development’s intermodal hub would offer commuter and freight rail access. Utah Valley University is considering adding 120 acres to the 100 acres it already owns at the site for athletic fields.

Megahotel Plans Pick Up Steam From State Funding Sources

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

In recent years, Salt Lake City’s entrepreneurs and elected officials have recognized the value of developing a convention center and large new hospitality property. Often referred to as the “megahotel project”, the initiative has been picking up steam of late. Legislators have proposed new funding mechanisms to provide approximately $100 million worth of public financing toward the estimated $335 million cost, the Salt Lake Tribune noted.

The state Senate recently passed a measure to provide up to $32.8 million toward the project in annual $3.5 million increments. The funds would be used for land acquisition as well as the development of 85,000 square feet of meeting space.

The proposed 1000-key convention center hotel would produce as much as $600 million in state and local taxes over the next 30 years, theTribunereported.

Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County would supply the rest of the $100 million in public financing. Local authorities could redirect sales tax revenue to generate $67 million.

The city’s requirements stipulate that the project must be developed no more than 1,000 yards from the Salt Palace convention center in order to promote the city’s meetings and conventions business.

Image of the Salt Palace courtesy of user Mangoman88 via Wikimedia Commons

Marriott’s Courtyard Salt Lake City Airport Wraps Makeover Aimed at Business Travelers

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

As rising demand for hotel rooms in Greater Salt Lake City spurs talk of new development, properties are taking steps now to shore up market share and boost occupancy. A case in point: Marriott’s Courtyard Salt Lake City Airport, which recently underwent an extensive renovation.

Located at 4843 Douglas Corrigan Way,the 154-key hotel now incorporates Marriott’s Refreshing Business concept in its lobby and brand-new suite design. In the lobby, RLJ Lodging Trust has introduced media pods, Wi-Fi access, and a revamped layout designed to accommodate social gatherings and pop-up meetings.

Also new is GoBoard 4.0, a lobby feature offering information, maps, weather, and headline news by means of a 55-inch LCD touch screen.

Through a smartphone integration feature, guests can access local information plus flight updates from nearby airports. The facility’s focus on business travelers extends to building-wide Internet access and a business center offering computers and a printer as well as dedicated terminals for flight inquiries and printing boarding passes.

Highlights of guestroom improvements include more functional work spaces, upgraded bathrooms, separate seating areas, high-speed internet connections and new plush bedding.

Photo courtesy of marriott.com 

Embassy Suites Opening Marks Latest Milestone for $500M Fairbourne Station Makeover

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

In the latest milestone for West Valley City’s $500 million Fairbourne Station urban renewal program, a 162-key Embassy Suites officially opened its doors on Feb. 12, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Located at 3524 S. Market Street, Embassy Suites features a Shula’s 347 Grill, part of football coach Don Shula’s Miami-based dining chain. The West Valley City Redevelopment Agency kickstarted development by securing $33 million in private financing and leasing the property to the project’s developer, West Valley Lodging Initiatives L.L.C., the Tribune reported.

The hotel’s guest amenity package features a fitness center, an indoor pool, laundry facilities and 7,500 square feet of meeting space. Renascent Hospitality is the on-site  manager.

Plans for the 40-acre Fairbourne Station redevelopment site call for residential, retail, hotel and office components.

Rendering courtesy of embassysuites3.hilton.com/