LEHI - It's been at least 30 years since world-renowned architect Frank Gehry visited southeast Utah's Arches National Park. Still, memories of that trip - and of the otherworldly shapes of the landforms there - inspired the design for the much-anticipated Point of the Mountain development in this Utah County community.

Gehry - in Utah on Wednesday to unveil the project's design model - said he didn't create the look and shape of the $2.1 billion development in hopes that it will become a Utah icon. He just wants the locals to like it, and in turn, their pride in their community will attract others.

"You build on feelings and people," he said. "I hope the buildings represent . . . the feeling of the land and community."

It's been almost two years since project developer Brandt Andersen made his idea public. On Wednesday, with Gehry at his side, Andersen revealed the development's look and name: The Point. The revelations came during a news conference at the The Flash Factory arena, just west of the 85-acre project's site off Interstate 15, about 30 miles south of Salt Lake City.

When naming the development, Andersen, CEO and owner of G Code Ventures, said many were offered, from some in Latin and French to those representing Utah. But, in the end, the name is a play on a few ideas, from the project's location near the Point of the Mountain to the "points" on all the proposed buildings and the nearby mountains.

"It keeps very true to our area," he said.

As for construction: the first phase could get started in 18 months "in a perfect world," Andersen said. Still, the project could take up to 10 years to complete, he said.

For now, The Point design model looks like a city of wooden and silver Legos stacked among tiny trees and a river encompassing the heart of its "downtown." Andersen, who is funding the project, calls it a "masterpiece."

The project design includes a five-star hotel - which could become the state's tallest building at 450 feet - and a 12,000-seat arena. Stores, condos, offices and restaurants would make up a town center. On the outside edges of the man-made water features, there will be more housing for folks who want to live near downtown but not in it, Andersen said.

On Wednesday evening, the public was invited to view the eight proposed designs that led to the No. 1 pick. Hundreds of guests, eating finger foods, walked around the arena's basketball court that was decorated like a museum exhibition.

Tom Swan, a general contractor who lives in nearby Saratoga Springs, said he attended the event because he's a fan of Gehry and excited about the impact the project will have on the Wasatch Front. Swan said he liked the way the buildings are stacked together over the water and that the hotel is not just a straight skyscraper but has levels.

"I've never seen something like this come to this area," he said. "This is awesome."

Dayna Silvey said she liked that the "modern design" included trees and parks, and she thinks it will show Utah is becoming more progressive.

"It will bring us into the new millennium - finally," she said.

Gehry said it took him a while to understand the site and what is important to the community here. The development is unique, but it's not a fancy place where people will have to act or dress a certain way. It's more of a place where folks can enjoy a beer overlooking the waterfront, he said.

"The more it unfolds, the more you understand it," Gehry said at the news conference. "The final product should be unique to this region."

Gehry has designed unique structures throughout the world, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

The 85-acre development in this northern Utah County city of 37,000 has not had any public opposition. The Lehi City Council last month approved The Point's zoning and concept plan. The council still needs to approve the final design and plans.

Even with the decline in the economy, Andersen said he doesn't have any plans to slow down the project. Still, he plans to enlist a few partners to help fund it.

"We're in a downturn right now, but it's going to get better," he said. "I want to be in a position to be ready as the market goes up."

At least one Utah County official said he has no doubt The Point will be "a significant, major focal point" for the Wasatch Front.

Joel Racker, president of the Utah Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the project will draw more business to the area as well as visitors from outside the state.

"It will be iconic," he said.

jsanchez@sltrib.com