On Thursday, Orem-based Proscenium Development Inc. shared its initial plans for the first phase of The Proscenium, which is slated to open by fall 2011 with two other phases to follow in 2013 and 2015, with the Sandy Planning Commission.
The colossal, $560 million mixed-use development features three, 30-story towers - only one of which would debut with phase one - that will require a code amendment to exceed Sandy's cap on building height at 140 feet, or about 10 stories.
On July 1, Sandy's City Council is scheduled to consider whether to do away with the height limit entirely in the suburb's central business district. The council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 10000 S. Centennial Parkway.
At least one resident opposes the plan to bring skyscrapers to Sandy.
"It's a blight on the environment," Kim Lane told the Planning Commission. "I did not like it when we did the Jordan Commons because it blocks the view of our scenic, beautiful mountains."
Proscenium architect Russell Platt countered, saying the project's density has environmental benefits by reducing "urban sprawl" and the driving and pollution that accompanies it.
The developer has replaced plans for 120 condos in the first tower with a 250-room hotel because of a slump in the Salt Lake Valley condo market. The building would still contain 36 condos on the top floors, along with office space on the lower floors and a spa in the center. A 2,400- to 2,800-seat Broadway-style playhouse would be adjacent.
The Planning Commission plans to have a series of discussions on the project before granting preliminary approval of the site plan.
