Taylorsville - Did you know that the Family Center of Taylorsville is now 60% vacant? For 20 years the intersection of 5400 South and Redwood Road has been the retail hub for most of the west side of Salt Lake County. Over those years the buildings have aged, and newer retail centers were developed in other cities, making this lively shopping center lose its appeal. However, residents of Taylorsville still want to have shopping centers and entertainment close to their homes. The Economic Development Department of Taylorsville’s focus is on bringing residents retail, office, commercial and industrial businesses close to where they live. 

 Wayne Harper, economic development director for the city of Taylorsville, said, “Having retail and services close to residential area reduces traffic, creates a better community, and provides the sales and property taxes the city uses to provide the basic services that residents demand — services like maintained roads, emergency response, and snow plowing.” One way the city is achieving this goal is by working with S Squared Development and TriGate Capital, the new owners of the Family Center property. The new owner’s plan is to demolish old buildings in the Family Center, rename the property The Crossroads of Taylorsville and fill the complex with exciting businesses. 

On June 9 city officials, including Mayor Larry Johnson, were invited to join S Squared’s demolition party where professionally operated large-scale equipment demolished the former Blockbuster video store. Harper said, “The city jumped at the opportunity to celebrate with the property owners as the owners kicked off the renovation and improvement of the properties. With them, we celebrated hope, renewal and the fulfillment of years of work to rebuild the area, as the residents of the city have requested.”  

The demolition party consisted of speeches given by Mayor Johnson and S Squared Development founder William Stone. Mayor Johnson stated, “This demolition celebration is a major milestone for Taylorsville as it heralds the significant investment that is being made by the new owners to elevate our city’s dominant shopping destination via aesthetic improvements and attractive new concepts and tenancies.” 

At the demolition S Squared used a fun approach to celebrate the occasion. Mayor Johnson, with bull horn in hand, said, “Gentlemen, start your engines.” With that the on-site equipment was fired up and the mayor began to swing a green “starter flag” to start the demolition. When the first piece of rubble fell, confetti cannons were released and music played. Harper said,  “It was like a birthday party: you celebrate accomplishments, clear the way for growth and development, and support people who are trying to make a positive impact and difference.” 

 There is a renewed hope for what is to come.  Stone, of S Squared Development, said, “We are excited to be adding Regal Cinema, the world’s leading movie experience provider, to the center; the theater complex will be comprised of 12 state-of-the-art luxury auditoriums which undoubtedly will contribute to The Crossroads’ emergence as the most desirable destination in the greater Salt Lake Valley.” Regal Cinema is scheduled to hold its grand opening in fall 2016. Along with the cinema there will also be new restaurants with different cuisines and serving formats. Stone says, “We will be bringing new tenants into the market, some of which aren’t even located in the state of Utah.”     

Harper and other city officials are excited for what this demolition celebration will do for the community. Harper says, “The city hopes that this rejuvenation and the focus of retailers and business owners to look at, invest in, and locate their businesses in the Crossroad Retail Center will bring less crime, increased community pride, more retail and entertainment close by the homes of Taylorsville residents, new tax revenue and improved public services.” Harper continues, “New buildings are far superior to blight and crime.  New buildings provide employment, jobs, opportunity, pride and community spirit.  The city supports businesses and people who take a risk to accomplish their dreams.”