Ogden working to repurpose US Forest building into affordable housing
Dec 24, 2024, 10:43 AM
Historic 25th Street in Ogden is pictured on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
SALT LAKE CITY — Ogden plans to turn a historic building into affordable housing.
The Ogden Redevelopment Agency has approved the plan to buy The US Forest Service building on 25th Street. The hope is to repair it and make some structural improvements, before turning it into affordable housing.
Councilmember Shaun Myers said he thought it was important for the city to have a hand in the sale.
“I was concerned as (to) what a private developer might do with the building,” Myers said. “If they would leave it unattended, or let it sit for a long period of time or purchase it at an auction for a discounted rate and then just let it become a blight for the city.”
He wanted to make sure the building didn’t sit and rot.
The Ogden Redevelopment Agency is working with Give Group. The group focuses on creating affordable and sustainable housing.
“(We wanted) to give that building new life and new opportunities … (And) help it be a hub and a center for those with creative and artistic minds and talents,” Myers said. “They can go ahead and continue to do what they love to do and also contribute to our city.”
The Ogden Redevelopment Agency and Giv Group are working to ensure the building doesn’t become an eyesore.
“We’ve worked with Giv to determine the history and potential use of this building, so it might continue to contribute to our community,” Myers said.
Its a $3.6 million purchase, but a $20 million investment. Purchase plans are set to finalize in the next few months. Redevelopment will take place over the next few years.
Alexandrea Bonilla is a producer, reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
