New project expected to change central Draper City landscape

Plans are under way to develop more than 27 acres of open space set in a prime location near a central Draper roadway.

According to an application filed with Draper city officials, two developers -- Gardner Company, the group behind the Draper Peaks shopping center, and Wasatch Advantage Group -- are seeking to build a mix of high-density residential and commercial space at approximately 12300 South 500 East.

Draper City Planner Jim Bolser said the application was on track for final approval by city officials and construction could be under way as early as next summer.

He said the project, if approved, could become a major new destination in the city.

“This is a pretty ambitious plan,” Bolser said. “[The developers] want to move as quickly as they can.”

The currently undeveloped property is located between the boundaries of 12150 South on the north, 650 East on the east, 12300 South on the south side and 450 East to the west.

Developers are proposing to use about 11.5 percent of the 27.5 available acres to build commercial space that could be used for new restaurants and retail shopping.

Approximately 13.5 percent of the space would be used to construct a mix of residential town homes with garages and higher density, multi-unit apartments.

The remaining property would be used to build a new roadway at approximately 12200 South, a roundabout-style intersection at 500 East and a plaza.

Although the planning process for new roadway at 12200 South is only in the early stages, the project could also include additional space for parking along a boulevard-style corridor.

The new development would neighbor established residential communities to the north of the project area.

Bolser said the project planners had taken care to include amenities to shield neighboring communities from any impacts. Applications submitted with the city show plans for new landscaping and trees to create a “buffer zone” and protect residents’ views.

“They’ve made some accommodation for the property owners to the north,” Bolser said.

The project would not extend to include the neighboring Rasmussen Farm property, which is no longer used for farming and lies undeveloped.

The project site was the former home of the historic Day Dairy Barn before the barn building was relocated to city owned property for preservation.

Early plans for the development project, which city officials are calling the Day Commercial District, were discussed during open meetings of the Draper Planning Commission, Nov.3 and Nov. 17.

At that time, the planning commission recommended the developers’ application for approval.

During a Draper City Council meeting held Dec. 6, city officials accepted residents’ comments at a public hearing regarding the Day Commercial District. Some residents were supportive of new development in the area, but others asked the council to consider preserving open space in the city.

For the project to move forward, city officials had to rezone the property to allow for the mixed-use commercial development.

The Draper City Council approved the necessary ordinances to allow the project in the week before Christmas.

The Draper Planning Commission must also approve future site plans to meet all existing city regulations.

Bolser said residents could still get involved by providing public comment or contacting Draper City Hall to ask questions about the project.

“The public is always welcome to comment,” Bolser said.