Westside Alliance

The Westside Alliance (WSA) was created to address the problem of commercial blight in the Northwest Quadrant. The primary goal of the WSA is to implement a strategic revitalization plan published by NeighborWorks Salt Lake (NWSL) in 1994. The revitalization plan addresses vacant commercial properties, development of raw land, small business development, creation of industry clusters, and serves as a comprehensive plan to build the economic base of the area.

Project Background

The Northwest Quadrant has experienced minimal reinvestment from both the private and public sectors for the past 20 years. At one time, North Temple was the major access route to I-80 through downtown Salt Lake City. With the reconfiguration of the freeway in 1987, the traffic patterns on North Temple were significantly affected. At the time, our economy was in the midst of a severe recession and those in government misunderstood the impact this freeway reconfiguration would have on North Temple in the Northwest Quadrant. Immediate impact was experienced with foreclosures on two major properties in the area; one included a lending institution. The decline in this area continued until the mid-1990s when government agencies and the private business sector recognized the area as a prime location to build office space. The area has experienced a resurgence of reinvestment from companies interested in relocating near the central business district. The strategic location of North Temple between the central business district and the Salt Lake International Airport provides a unique opportunity to revitalize commercial development. The revitalization of this area is critical to insure the residential investments made by NWSL partners. This is an opportune time for NWSL to capitalize on the renewed interest in the Northwest Quadrant and implement the North Temple Revitalization Plan. The primary issue affecting any progress with the implementation of the revitalization plan is the lack of a driving force to conduct day-to-day activities that influence the redevelopment of this area. In studying revitalization of similar corridors in cities such as Denver, Seattle, Portland and San Diego, the requirement has been a partnership of the community and private business in utilizing dedicated personnel to accomplish the objectives. NWSL will specifically address this challenge.

Project Impact

Beneficiaries of this effort are the low and moderate income census tracts located in the Northwest Quadrant with a population of approximately 25,000. The 300+ small and large businesses in the area and more than 52,000 office workers will benefit from economic development and commercial revitalization.

Project Purpose

• Strengthen existing business in the area and enable them to grow and expand.
• Stimulate an entrepreneurial sprit throughout the corridor’s economic community.
• Encouraging new business to locate in the area.
• To develop and redevelop the Northwest corridor economic district in such a way that it is compatible with the adjacent neighborhoods and is a supportive element to the livability, vitality and image of the entire community with a particular emphasis on the residential neighborhoods.
• Develop advertising campaigns and promotions for the Northwest area.
• Create a Special Improvement District to address the physical and capital improvement components related to the revitalization plan.