This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
SOUTH SALT LAKE - By fall, groundbreaking could begin on a project to breathe new life - and identity - into the now-lifeless Rocky Point Haunted House.
Chinatown is on its way.
The outer walls of the existing structure at 3390 S. State St. - since 1991 it served as a popular seasonal haunt for scare-seekers - will remain intact, but be refaced to reflect Chinese architecture.
Inside, the new owner-developer, Yu So, intends to transform the interior into an indoor mall. Plans include 37 shops, a 27,000-square-foot Asian grocery store, a high-end 80,000-square-foot restaurant, office space and, eventually, commercial condos.
Yu, a South Salt Lake resident, was out of town Thursday and could not be reached for comment. On Wednesday, the City Council unanimously approved the final subdivision plat for the 5.6-acre project.
"This proposal is very creative and exciting," said Councilman John Weaver. "I would love to see this be successful."
K.C. Liao, architect for the project, spoke enthusiastically about what he predicts will become a tourist destination in the center of the Salt Lake Valley.
"You won't need an airline ticket to go to China," Liao said. "With this you can be there in five minutes."
The future retail draw will be upscale, Liao promises, and serve as a forum for cultural celebrations such as the Chinese New Year. He expects the attraction to open by mid-2008.
Councilman Bill Anderson wanted to make sure no old ghosts linger around the property.
"Are you going to have any spotlights or loud music blaring?" he asked, referring to features generally associated with spooky haunts.