Phase two of Salt Lake City low-income housing project approved

Oct 6, 2023, 6:00 PM

A graphic of the proposed eastern-facing part of the phase two building. The building will provide ...

A graphic of the proposed eastern-facing part of the phase two building. (The Silos Phase Two Design Review and Planned Development)

(The Silos Phase Two Design Review and Planned Development)

BY KRISTINE WELLER AND HUGO RIKARD-BELL

KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — The second phase of a low-income housing project was approved last week by the Salt Lake City Planning Commission.

Located at about 515 South 500 West, the Silos Project will bring over 180 affordable apartments to the city according to the Silos Planned Development and Design Review.

The developers said this phase of the project focuses on constructing an eight-story building and an interior parking garage. It will feature 60 studio apartment units, 100 one-bedroom units, and 20 two-bedroom units.

The apartments are for those who earn below 60% of the area median income.

The planning commission approved the developers’ request to build the project as high as 85 feet. A height of sixty feet is typically allowed in a general commercial zone, but more height can be added with permission.

That approval for extra height was unanimous.

Assuring the project remains affordable

Commissioner Amy Barry said she wants to give more attention to these types of projects in the future so they can make sure they are actually affordable.

“I think we’ve been burned in the past,” Barry said during the commission meeting. “But in this case, I feel very confident that the affordable component will be happening.”

The Silos development is named after the six historic white grain silos still standing along 500 South in Salt Lake City. The area is known as the Granary District because of those familiar silos. According to the design review, a portion of the grain silos will be preserved, including parts of the old mill building.

The first phase of the project was approved in June. It approved the construction of two new buildings and the redesign of two historic warehouses into retail and commercial areas.

The third and final phase of the project includes a future hotel, commercial space, more affordable housing, pickleball courts, and a park. This phase has not yet been approved by the commission.

A graphic of the proposed development for phases one, two and three of the low-income housing project in Salt Lake City.

The proposed development for phases one, two and three of the low-income housing project in Salt Lake City. (The Silos Phase Two Design Review and Planned Development)