Planning a New Downtown, Daybreak, UT

Since the introduction of the Interstate Highway System, America has shifted its focus away from building urban downtowns. Instead, we have prioritized expanding our existing cities with automobile-oriented sprawl. While these areas are characterized by intense development, they often lack the remarkable experiences found in walkable downtowns.

The Daybreak Development team envisioned a downtown area that would be equal in size to Salt Lake City’s center, directly connected by three transit stops. Echoing classic cities, residents would have the option to board a streetcar and travel to another downtown area. Their goal was to create delightful opportunities that would inspire growth and investment, resulting in a beautiful place for future generations to enjoy.

UDA collaborated with the Larry H. Miller Company (LHM) and their consultants to design the urban experience. And like all cities, this was a team effort. UDA assisted in developing the shape of the urban environment, including office, residential, and retail districts, all connected by a strong pedestrian network. The centerpiece is a new minor league baseball stadium anchoring the green network of parks and trails. With over 5,000 homes, 450,000 square feet of retail, millions of square feet of office space, parks, and trails, Daybreak’s downtown will deliver urban life and demonstrate the value of downtowns in today’s development landscape.