With the completion of the City Creek Project on the two blocks downtown, we will truly create one of the finest downtowns in America. We all thank the LDS Church for this revitalization for the city we love.

It would be wonderful to have the five stories of parking below-ground versus the prior five stories aboveground. But, the two beautiful malls will feature the City Creek running through them, surrounded by trees, grass and fountains. Another unique feature is that it will have a roof that will automatically cover them if it gets too hot or cold. With the addition of 500 condos and many apartment rentals, it will create wonderful urban living downtown. This will be complemented by a beautiful new Harmons grocery store.

With The Gateway being the west anchor to downtown and the Grand and Little America hotels being the south anchor, this will truly help us to be one of the finest downtowns in America.

It is of prime importance to note that the west anchor is connected to the south anchor by free light rail.

The one remaining challenge is to fill the vacancies on Main Street. Much is in the planning stage to do this. First of all, it is hoped that the Utah Theater can become a year-round theater to show movies like those shown at the Sundance Film Festival.

Across the street we hope to build a beautiful Broadway theater that can also be used for performing arts.

With all the improvements and with our united effort, we can truly create one of the finest downtowns in America.

Richard M. Wirick

Owner of Oxford Shop

Salt Lake City