Rio Grande District

Building Tomorrow: The Future Starts Here in the Rio Grande District

Welcome to the Rio Grande District, where Salt Lake City’s past meets its future. This dynamic new neighborhood is set to become the beating heart of downtown—a place where people connect, culture thrives, and sustainable living is the norm. Anchored by iconic landmarks and cutting-edge design, this is where modern urban life and historic charm come together.

Spanning 11 acres in the heart of west downtown Salt Lake City, the Rio Grande District is set to transform the area between 200-400 South and 500-600 West. This vibrant development will offer dynamic public spaces, seamless multi-modal transit, world-class sports facilities, affordable housing, and a thriving hub for commercial activity, shaping the future of the city.

Guided by a Vision and Implementation Plan, The Rio Grande District will be a robust new Downtown neighborhood located at Utah’s most transit rich gateway. 

TOD

What is Transit Oriented Development?

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) fosters compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods centered around easy access to public transit. Positioned between Salt Lake Central Station and the upcoming Green Loop, the Rio Grande District is a perfect example of TOD in action. This development integrates people, places, and public spaces in a dynamic, walkable, and bike-friendly district, creating a lively, connected destination in downtown Salt Lake City.

 


 

TODs: Creating Innovative Spaces for Events, Art, and Active Living

The Rio Grande District will redefine how public spaces are used, blending art, recreation, and community events into a lively urban experience. With thoughtfully designed areas that encourage connection and creativity, this district is set to become a gathering place for all. Below, discover some of the key features that make the District unique:

Festival Street

300 South will be reimagined as a flexible, pedestrian-friendly space that can easily be closed off for festivals, markets, and community events—creating a vibrant gathering place for all to enjoy.

Arts Alley

This vibrant plaza will showcase rotating art installations, live performances, and cultural events, with nearby creative spaces for up-and-coming local artists to make and display their work.

Green Loop

Imagine a lush urban green space right in the heart of the city, offering shaded paths for walking, biking, and alternative transportation, while providing fun outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.

Underpass Park

Transforming the space under the 400 S bridge into a lively spot for recreation, this park will turn unused infrastructure into a fun and active community hangout.

 

 

TODs: Where Transit Meets Community

The Rio Grande District is all about making it easy for everyone to get around. Designed as a mobility hub, it offers a range of transit options that encourage walking, biking, and public transportation. Check out how we’re creating a connected community where getting around is safe and convenient for all:

Transit Connectivity

By focusing on various transit options instead of just cars, we’ll cut down on traffic and use less land for parking. This means a smoother ride for everyone!

Walk and Ride with Confidence

The Rio Grande District features wide sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and slower traffic, making it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate.

Smart Parking Solutions

Our shared parking garage will minimize the number of cars on the streets, encouraging everyone to choose greener ways to travel—like walking, biking, or hopping on public transit.

 

 

TODs: Designed for a Vibrant Mix of Community Uses

Explore the vibrant mix of uses in the Rio Grande District, where high-density development meets easy transit access.

High Density Development

Our development takes advantage of nearby transit, creating a balanced mix of shops, homes, and services that invite people in and keep the District buzzing throughout the day.

Life at Street Level

Every building will feature an active ground floor, ensuring that shops, cafes, and community spaces engage with the public, bringing energy and excitement to the streets.

Seamless Community Connections

Residential mixed-use buildings are thoughtfully placed to create a smooth transition between the lively Rio Grande District and the surrounding neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community.

Health & Equity

Empowered Lives: Promoting Wellness & Equity

The Rio Grande District is dedicated to fostering community well-being through inclusive growth and a holistic approach to sustainability. By blending natural and built environments, we’re creating a thriving area that promotes health, resilience, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Sustainability

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Resilient Infrastructure

We’re building a robust and sustainable community with innovative stormwater solutions. Green roofs feature layers of vegetation on rooftops, helping to absorb rainwater and improve air quality. Permeable surfaces, like special pavement, allow rainwater to pass through, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge. Additionally, rain gardens are landscaped areas designed to capture and filter stormwater, providing beautiful spaces that support local wildlife. Together, these enhancements and upgraded utilities will ensure our neighborhood remains safe, vibrant, and ready to thrive in any conditions!
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Zero Carbon Impact

We’re committed to creating an all-electric district that uses energy-efficient designs and sustainable building materials. This approach not only helps reduce our environmental impact but also aligns with the Redevelopment Agency’s guidelines for sustainable development. Together, we’re building a greener future for our community!
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Preserving History

We’re revitalizing existing buildings to reduce waste and emissions while honoring the site’s rich history. By updating these structures for modern use, we ensure they continue to serve our community. The State of Utah is also restoring the historic Rio Grande Depot just east of our project. Stay updated by visiting the State of Utah’s website [HERE]

Equity

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Community Benefits

Our focus on both physical and social infrastructure ensures everyone can thrive. We’re committed to providing access to public amenities, healthy food, affordable housing, job opportunities, quality education, and recreational activities. Together, we’re building a community where everyone can flourish.
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Stakeholder Engagement

The Rio Grande District is being shaped by the insights and ideas from a wide range of stakeholders, including neighborhood groups, non-profits, industry partners, property owners, government agencies, and elected officials. We value your input! To learn more about our engagement process and share your thoughts, click [HERE].
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