A Utah Space Needle? Developers looking for The Point’s main attraction
Jul 26, 2023, 4:00 PM
A rendering of The Point development in Draper, Utah. Planners now looking for a "Focal Point" artistic feature to bring world recognition and community bonding. (The Point Utah)
(The Point Utah)
DRAPER, Utah — The Point development project in Draper is looking for a new “focal point.” Currently developing on 600 acres of state-owned land, the project will include cutting-edge technological innovation, a range of trails, housing, retail, entertainment, and more.
Right now, planners are searching for the community’s main attraction.
“At The Point, we are looking for some kind of an iconic feature that would be known around the world and a source of pride and inspiration for the people who live here,” said Alan Matheson, executive director of the Point of the Mountain state land authority.
He explained that around the world, there are communities with features that define them. Examples include the Seattle Space Needle and the Cloud Gate, commonly known as the Bean, in Chicago.
“State leaders here in Utah and members of the public have said they’d like to see something similar here,” Matheson said.
To get local input, The Point created a survey for citizens to give their ideas for the focal point.
Focal point survey
The survey has been open for several weeks and already has well over 1,000 responses.
Once closed, Matheson said all the responses from the survey will be considered.
“We’ll take the input we receive from the public, and share it with professional designers and artists, then let them use the raw material and ideas from the public to design their concept of what this focal point ought to be.”
Following the creation of these designs will be a competition where Utahns can vote for the final project.
August 31 is the last day to participate in the survey.
The Point’s other plans
Although there will be one main focal point, Matheson said there will be plenty more art around the community.
“As we develop this focal point, we’re also looking more broadly at an arts master plan for the site.”
He explained they have issued a request for proposal for consultants to help design the plan, providing accessible art throughout the project.
Matheson said this project is “important because it helps bring character to the site. A sense of place. Maybe conveying themes that are important.”
