The Provo City Council unanimously approved a zone change during a meeting on Tuesday night to allow for new student housing at the abandoned Park Plaza site. The decision enables Cole West to develop a new complex east of the BYU campus at 910 N. 900 East.
Cole West plans to construct a six-story housing complex featuring 146 units and 523 beds. To address parking concerns, the developer will implement a car-stacking system in an underground lot. According to a spokesman for Cole West, 130 stalls will use the stacking function while 260 cars will park on the ground level. This system allows roommates to share a stall by coordinating car use. A spokesman noted that a similar system is used in a project in downtown Salt Lake City where 30% of residents are students at the University of Utah.
The development agreement includes provisions for 390 total parking stalls, calculated at 0.75 spaces per bed, and 247 indoor biking stalls. The agreement also specifies that non-car users cannot be charged for parking and requires contracted parking agreements for students. Councilwoman Katrice MacKay requested a parking study be completed one year after the building opens to evaluate the effectiveness of the stacking system.
The Park Plaza project follows a multiyear period of ownership changes and blight caused by vandalism and two reckless burning incidents. Cole West anticipates a 30-month construction period, with the complex scheduled to open for the 2029 or 2030 school year.
In a separate 4-3 decision, the council approved a rezoning for property at 313 E. 200 North in the Joaquin neighborhood. This change from Residential Conservation to Medium Density Residential will allow for 10 new townhome units, each carrying a deed restriction prohibiting rentals for five years. Councilmembers Travis Hoban, Jeff Whitlock, Rachel Whipple, and MacKay voted in favor, while Becky Bogdin, Craig Christensen, and Gary Garrett voted against the measure.
The Joaquin neighborhood decision followed a public comment period regarding the use of the property. Councilwoman MacKay stated the redevelopment provides an opportunity to implement deed restrictions that would not be possible otherwise, potentially helping families build wealth in the neighborhood.
