Located in Draper, Utah, spanning 600 acres of state-owned land, a former prison campus stands as a pivotal opportunity in the state's history for transformation and progress. Guided by the principles of transit-oriented development, the vision is to create a vibrant mixed-use town center that integrates mobility, sustainability, and community. This project aims to cultivate a community that nurtures innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable urban development, offering green spaces and parks for residents to enjoy and fostering economic opportunities to elevate the quality of life for Utahns.
As the master planners and architectural designers for the initial 100-acre phase, Arcadis crafted a compelling vision for an accessible urban center anchored by a pedestrian-oriented festival street, a regional bicycle trail, and a central park. Reflecting our expertise in sustainable master-planned communities, we guided the client team through a developer competition and an interactive design process that engaged key stakeholders across the state of Utah, resulting in a successful 6.1-million-square-foot proposal.
This project conforms to the most aggressive sustainability standards for the state of Utah in the reduction of energy usage, embodied carbon, and operational carbon, in addition to featuring an extensive bicycle and pedestrian network, affordable housing provision, and ample public spaces for community activities. A standout component is the 'River to Range' trail, linking the Jordan River to the Wasatch Mountains, running parallel to Main Street in the initial phase. Additionally, The Point is set to integrate with the existing commuter rail line via a new station on its western boundary and will be complemented by a light rail station along a recently approved route.
Following our team's appointment to the project, we helped navigate political aspects of the development agreement and finalized the master plan, encompassing 2.5 million square feet of office space, 3,000 housing units, 350,000 square feet of retail, two hotels, a 4,000-seat performance venue, and 16 acres of parks and public spaces. At the heart of the district lies the Promenade, a four-block pedestrian-focused shopping area blending festival street elements with a European-style plaza, creating a vibrant destination for the entire Salt Lake City region. The Promenade runs parallel to the River to Range trail and links Central Park to a historic chapel building.
The ongoing project stands out as a beacon of sustainability initiatives in Utah, showcasing a strong commitment to renewable energy, water conservation, and the promotion of affordable housing. The Point connects directly to the FrontRunner commuter rail line and will include two future light rail stations. Within the site, a network of advanced mobility options, bike paths, and trails will keep people moving. A self-funded public art district should further enhance the neighborhood’s character and vibrancy.
It is meant to serve as an incubator for innovative sustainability initiatives with aggressive goals to reduce water usage by 30%, reduce energy consumption, draw 30% of its power from renewable resources, and divert a high percentage (60%) of construction waste.
Fundamentally, The Point symbolizes a neighborhood reborn from the remains of a former state prison campus. As one of Utah’s most significant urban redevelopment projects, it marks a powerful shift from confinement to ambition and from stagnation to innovation, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Serving as a central hub for the City of Draper, The Point is a key economic driver for the entire state. This transit-rich, pedestrian-friendly, and cycle-centric neighborhood is anchored by a lively main street and welcoming public spaces where generations can connect and businesses can thrive.
Create a better future with us
