I wasn't aware that behind those so called phony fronts lurked a vast sea of asphault. I had just assumed, as I first pointed out that Sorenson would be offering a classier set-up.
As a European I would not presume that American's are incapable of developing a charming and beautiful city center at this juncture in time. Especially given what I'm seeing from developments such as The Cottonwood, CCC, Market Station and others that are now coming on line.
To imply or somehow try to lecture a European on how Europe is the answer to Urban Utopia is hilarious to me. I've lived above bakeries, and a myriad of commercial enterprises in both American cities and my own native Europe. Yes, the Wasatch needs more of that type of urban living. not because it is the only 'true urban religion,' and we should all just worship at the altar of that one 'true urban god,' but because people should have choices.
As a former European I cherish having a full plate of American choices. I relish the soon to be realized opportunity of having an electric or at least a very affordable CNG fueled vehicle, that will hold more than two people if I need. I love how this area is not only developing an efficient freeway, and surface street system in order to commute to work if necessary, but also an effective mass-transit alternative for those who choose. I relish the thought of the convenience of having all my shopping and office needs as close as a few minutes away.
And unlike the overwhelming majority of my fellow Europeans, I like having the opportunity to own a reasonably comfortable detached house w/yard in which to raise a family of more than one child, if I should so choose.
I would hope that Wasatch Fronters will continue to have a developing metro that will encourage a broad range of choices, and not fall under the pseudo-glamourized tourist view that somehow Europe is Urban Utopia. Most Europeans have given up a tremendous amount of freedom of choice in their mode of travel and the type of dwelling they can choose to live in. Those are choices and options only for the wealthy in Europe
Let's shatter another little myth about my native Paris or former Roman and Venetian homes. These are beautiful cities that I am as familiar with as the back of my hand. But let's get real. Much of that so-called organic development created over many centuries of time is a lot of fairy tale. If not destroyed by war and invasion or fire, much of what would have been considered architectural treasures, pre-dating today's European structures, fell to the wrecking ball of their day. It was the habit of rulers to regularly destroy entire large sections of cities and their architectural treasures, in order to erect their own idea of self worshiping homage. This was typically accomplised in one giant swoop of the septor. I'll take here and now with community input, a city council, a Mayor Becker or a CCC over a long list of Napolean like Kings and Anarchists, who would throw down what would be trillions in todays dollars to create their lifestyle centers. All while often bankrupting a nation and using an impoverished, slave labor/general populace to build them.
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Sandy has mapped out its future many times before - and touted its status as "the other downtown." But Knowlton said the group's insights revealed a shift in attitudes about what Sandy could be. Dolan pointed out that earlier master plans showed mostly office parks and a maximum of two-story structures in the area. 
Wow Steve, Very nice!! I like the design element a lot. I'm also elated to hear that Sorenson is involved. That means BIG money and DEEP pockets, which is something that will carry this project to its fruition. That particular area is very impressive for it's beautiful topography too. I'm just amazed at what is happening to the southern end of Salt Lake Valley, and the northern end of Utah Valley.
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