Tawdry tales, nefarious nightlife, and raucous wranglers all part of Historic 25th Streets wonderful and colorful history. While the street no longer boasts tenants of such a nature, the historic presence can be seen and felt by the old west architecture and numerous local merchants. What's next in line for Historic 25th Street revival? The all-new Union Square mixed-use project located on Historic 25th between Lincoln and Wall Avenues. The gated project will consist of 60 residential units and 14 retail spaces totaling close to 120,000 square feet and is being developed by Proterra Companies, Inc., a development firm that specializes in revitalizing urban cores in cities throughout Utah. Ogden City is also participating in the funding of the development. Other team members include Cooper Roberts Simonsen as architects, Roger Knight Construction as the General Contractor, Fannie Mae, and First National Bank of Layton as additional funding sources. Prudential First Choice Real Estate and Grubb & Ellis Utah Realty are responsible for the marketing and sales efforts. The first phase of the development will include thirty of the sixty residences and all fourteen retail spaces. Fourteen two-story townhomes will be built above the retail spaces along 25th Street. Each residence has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full-sized kitchen, living room and balconies. Buyers have the opportunity to purchase the residences together with the retail on Historic 25th Street only and the configuration makes it ideal for business owners who desire to live above their retail spaces. Charles W. Akerlow, President and CEO of Proterra Companies, Inc., believes that buyers prefer that latter situation. All along Historic 25th Street you see wonderful little businesses that give downtown Ogden its reputable charm. Now business owners have the opportunity to open their stores in new retail space and live right where they work. An idea Akerlow says is seen throughout the country. We have visited cities throughout the USA to see how these types of buildings work. We have studied why some work and why others don't. We believe that with what we are building and the current environment of Historic 25th Street, that these live-work units will be a success for both new residents and business owners. The developer and architect paid close attention to the existing architecture on Historic 25th Street to create something that fit without imitating the older buildings. It is our goal to design in all of our developments a project that pays tribute to the historic architecture that surrounds it but doesn't try to look like an old building, says Gerry Tully, Executive Vice President of Proterra. We would never want to see a movie set or Disneyland being forced upon Historic 25th Street. Instead, we have designed something that takes from the old, combines it with the new and won't ever feel dated. The retail spaces range in size from 750 to over 900 square feet. Bays can be connected to increase the size of the retail space. The Historic 25th Street townhomes range in size from nearly 1600 square feet to just over 1700 square feet. Prices begin at $146,500 for the residences and $90,000 for a standard retail bay. Behind the units on Historic 25th Street will be forty-six courtyard townhomes. All the residences will consist of two bedrooms and two bathrooms and both one and two car garages. Each townhome will also have a third story loft and outdoor deck. The lofts will be unfinished allowing the homebuyer to build it to fit their own lifestyle. The lofts could be studios, offices, or extra bedrooms. The units will face a common area people friendly courtyard with the garages on the rear of the building served by a lane. The courtyard will be a landscaped area with sidewalks, planters, benches and perhaps a small play area for children. Tully designed the courtyards and feels that the area is vital to downtown urban living. We want all of the buyers to feel the excitement and prestige of living downtown and being in the middle of things, but also be able to walk out their front door and see trees, flowers, benches- items that make it feel more like a community. The courtyard units range in size from 1500 to 1800 square feet. All courtyard townhomes will have a patio on the main level at least one balcony on the second level and a deck off the loft on the third level. Prices range from $136,500 to $156,500. Construction will begin mid-February and residences will be ready for move in by August. Proterra believes that Union Square is just the beginning of a number of good things happening to Ogden. The city is behind us 100% on this project, says Akerlow. Ogden needs that. There are great things happening and those at city hall are making every effort to help us in succeeding. We look forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with the officials and residents of Ogden City.

February 2002