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Midvale Main Arts & Culture District

midvale_main_logo_full_color_cmykMidvale Main Arts & Culture District

Nestled in the heart of Midvale City lies our beloved Midvale Main Arts & Culture District, a gathering spot encapsulating the very spirit of our community. This district, adorned with over 20 captivating murals, serves as a vibrant testament to our genuine personality, homegrown warmth, and deep-rooted sense of community pride.

  • A Canvas of Expression: The district's 20+ murals narrate stories and honor local talent. Each mural reflects our culture and creativity, adding a unique artistic touch to our streets.
  • Theatrical Delights: Charming theaters within the district come alive with performances, offering an immersive cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. Here, you can revel in local theater productions that showcase the talent and creativity of our community.
  • Ink and Artistry: Tattoo parlors in the district are more than mere studios; they're hubs of self-expression. Local artists create unique, personalized tattoos that tell individual stories, contributing to the rich tapestry of our community's identity.
  • Coffee Culture: Our district's coffee shop is more than a place to grab a cup of joe; it's the heart of our community. It's where friends gather for conversations, where locals connect, and where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with the authentic camaraderie of our residents.

Midvale Main Murals

Main Street Small Area Plan

Project Area Boundaries

The Main Street Small Area Plan project area spans approximately 117 acres and is outlined by distinct boundaries. Starting at the northwest corner, it commences at the intersection of 7200 South and 700 West. Moving east along 7200 South, the northern boundary extends to the northeast corner of the Main Street neighborhood, adjacent to the rail corridor and 7200 South. Heading south along the rail lines, then west and south along the property line of the small rail yard by the north/west curve in the freight line, it continues back east along the railway and south along the south/east curve in the freight line. Finally, it runs south along the freight line property line, which aligns with the eastern side of Rio Grande Street. The southeast corner meets at the junction of the railway property line and Center Street, while the southern boundary extends west along Center Street, with the southwest corner at the intersection of Center Street and Holden Street. The western boundary proceeds north along Holden Street/700 West, returning to the northwest corner as the starting point.

Project Area Assets
One of the primary strengths of the Project Area lies in its development potential, owing to a substantial number of vacant or underutilized parcels. These spacious parcels offer simplified and expedited development processes, making them an attractive prospect for potential developers, with reduced time and cost considerations.

Furthermore, the Project Area boasts a range of citywide assets, encompassing commercial and institutional elements. Commercial highlights include the Midvale Main Street Theater, herbal medicine store, drive-thru coffee shop, flower store, interior design studio, market, credit union, car wash, architecture design studios, high-end tattoo parlors, gym, Rocky Mountain Power office, and various retail, service, and light industrial businesses. Institutional assets feature Midvale City Hall, Justice Court, and the Senior Center. The area's racial diversity contributes significantly to its social and cultural richness.

Transportation assets are substantial, with close proximity to a TRAX rail station, major roadways, and easy access to I-15. Additionally, the central location within the valley provides a strategic advantage for potential business expansion.

Although the Bingham Junction development lies just outside the Project Area, it has brought an influx of new residents, employees, and patrons to neighboring areas, benefiting existing businesses. This proximity enhances opportunities for commercial and social interactions, benefiting both residents and businesses.

Enhancing connectivity between the Bingham Junction development area and the Main Street Project Area holds promise for both regions. Improved accessibility amplifies the use and viability of Main Street's assets for the daily population in the Bingham Junction area. The increased resident population in Bingham Junction presents an invaluable asset that can further enhance the entire Main Street Project Area, providing a foundation for future growth and development.

Form-Based Code
The City Council has embraced an innovative approach to urban planning and development by adopting a Form-Based Code (FBC) specifically for the Main Street Small Area plan. This progressive method focuses on achieving a particular urban form and a mix of uses that align with the community's preferences. In the context of Midvale City, this proposed form-based code aims to bring to life the vision outlined in the Main Street Small Area Plan, which was approved by the City Council in December 2018.

Unlike traditional zoning codes, FBCs consider a broader range of factors, including streets, blocks, lots, building types, locations, spaces between buildings and streets, signs, landscaping, open areas, and land uses. Notably, FBCs not only define appropriate land uses during the planning process but also actively encourage and permit those uses. This streamlined approach benefits both developers, who experience reduced processing time and increased project feasibility, and the community, which gains upfront decisions about building form, land use, and site design. It provides a proactive framework for developers to follow. FBCs promote proactivity, whereas traditional zoning tends to be more reactive in nature.

History and Character of the Area

In 1909, when Midvale City was founded, Main Street served as its bustling heart. Nestled around the smelter just west of Main Street, this area thrived with smelter offices, banks, restaurants, and shops. The Avenues neighborhood homes were constructed for the industrial workers and their families who were part of the surrounding industrial hub. Before the construction of I-15, Main Street played a crucial role as a regional north-south route, attracting residents from across the valley. It was a vibrant destination for shopping and leisure.

However, with the advent of the freeway, Main Street's importance as a north-south route dwindled. The freeway diverted traffic to newly built strip malls, while also limiting access to Main Street from the expanding eastern part of the City. As a result, businesses along Main Street experienced a decline in both foot and vehicle traffic.

Today, Main Street presents a mix of thriving businesses and vacant properties, offering opportunities for revitalization. With recent additions like City Hall and the County Senior Center at the north end of Main Street, there's growing momentum for both public and private investments, paving the way for a more vibrant and promising future for this area.