It is hard to believe it has been three years since the turn of the century moved into its own and became ours. It’s hard to believe that another full year has sped by us with so much activity. One can reflect on the progress and events that have led us into this century and what looms over us, not only on a global stand but also in our own state and city. The issues are large and important like never before and progress surrounds us everywhere.
Here in Ogden we seem to be tucked away and protected from any dangers that may befall the world. The great mountain peaks that stand proud surrounding us are like fortresses protecting and watching over us like silent giants. Yet what happens on all levels in the world also affects us all here as well even snugly nestled. Not just the economy or threat of war but attitudes that loom in the air. Where are we progressing as a society as we move into the new era is as important as what actually is happening. Major events unite us under one single cause. That is the same with our own city. We have all been watching the old Ogden City Mall go down piece by piece. That has been quite the sight, as if we also had our own ground zero. Yet in the Phoenix of the destruction, we await the new mall that will replace what was once. Anticipation builds. The River Project is on its way as is the Union Square on Historic 25th Street as well. All signs of action in motion. All these bring progress and improvement to our city. Historic Jefferson Avenue has gotten a face lift. Wall Avenue seems to be taking forever with its new expansion. It will not be long when we have that main artery speeding along as our life force moves through Ogden’s heart. These all add up. Snow Basin’s upgrades are a major milestone, as were the Winter Olympics right here in our own land. This is huge as now our own mountain is equal to any in the world in its noteriety. At one point the downtown area will be home to many new residents with all of the new living spaces soon to be available. We see what some may see as setbacks such as the closing of the Ben Lomond Hotel. But who knows what will come of that? It has been suggested that this building become university dorms. Now wouldn’t that make sense and bring an energy downtown that should have never left? Long ago our college community was right downtown on 25th Street around Jefferson Avenue. I can just imagine what it would have been like had it stayed and progressed right here in the downtown area. Many of our old buildings probably would have never gone since perhaps the energy of a college town would have seen us through the slumps such as the railroad industry leaving. Many new businesses have opened up downtown this last season. You will see them in the pages of this edition of STREET Magazine. We are proud to feature them along with all the developments that are coming our way for all our benefit. It doesn’t take too much to see what is happening here in our current renaissance. It takes the entire community, however, to support all of the wonderful amenities available to us to keep it going. Our queen of downtown is the Egyptian Theatre. She is truly the jewel of Ogden and it’s hard to believe that a few decades ago she was actually threatened to be torn down. It is amazing the caliber of shows and events taking place at that outlet now. There is so much to be grateful for in our community. We are not a city of strip malls and franchises. We are a unique and thriving city. It takes everyone to add to the level of activity and involvment to help make our city even better.
Ron Atencio - Winter 2003
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