The Provo City Council on Tuesday approved a series of land-use actions to allow for the redevelopment of the Provo Towne Centre property into a mixed-use district, according to a October 22 statement. The council passed the concept plan, zoning text amendments, and zoning changes through identical 5-1 votes.
Proposed by Justin Long of Brixton Capital, the project aims to transform parts of the aging mall into a walkable destination while preserving major retail anchors including Target, JCPenney, and Cinemark. The redevelopment is expected to include approximately 1,300 apartment units and 77 owner-occupied townhomes. The plan also incorporates commercial and retail space, public gathering areas, enhanced bicycle and pedestrian connections, and improved transit access. Additionally, the project includes affordable housing components through the state's Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone program.
The proposal includes revisions made following discussions with residents, neighborhood leaders, city staff, and elected officials. These changes include redesigned traffic-calming features, additional pedestrian connections, expanded bicycle infrastructure, raised crosswalks, and additional green space. City Planner Andrew Jackson told the council that the project addresses the need for housing adjacent to commercial centers to support commercial growth.
The development includes property currently occupied by the Shady Acres mobile home park. Under the development agreement, the applicant committed to providing $10,000 in relocation assistance per household and 18 months' notice to residents, which is double the notice required by state law. While several public speakers supported the revitalization, others raised concerns regarding bicycle safety, affordability, and the displacement of residents in the mobile home park.
Council discussion reflected broad support for revitalizing the mall property. Councilor Rachel Whipple described the redevelopment as a long-awaited opportunity to reinvest in a struggling center, noting the benefits of the mix of ownership and rental housing. Councilor Gary Garrett stated the proposal represents an important opportunity for economic investment in southwest Provo. However, Councilor Becky Bogdan cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concerns regarding the balance between housing and commercial development and the sufficiency of relocation assistance for affected residents. Councilor Craig Christensen was excused from the vote.
The redevelopment is expected to proceed in phases over multiple years. The project will return to the city for additional approvals regarding site planning, infrastructure, and financing mechanisms.
