Now, a new market analysis says the city should see eight more of them in the next 10 years.

California-based Economics Research Associates delivered a 90-page report last week stating Provo will need at least that much office space in the next decade to enhance downtown's revitalization.

“We're looking at Provo being much more of the historical office center of Utah County,” ERA senior vice president Steven Spickard said. “We don't think it's at all unlikely to get half of the future demand for office space [in the county].”

The ERA analysis is the final piece of the city's three-year research effort to produce a game plan for rejuvenating Provo's once-vibrant downtown.

City leaders have traveled to Pasadena, Calif., and Albuquerque, N.M., to observe similar makeover projects and commissioned a Dan Jones poll of downtown Provo residents as part of the movement.

Their vision: a vibrant, well-lit pedestrian environment brimming with eye-catching facades, enticing restaurants and bustling businesses.

Spickard, armed with the report, said that's possible if top guns follow some pointers.

“Provo has the only true traditional downtown district in Utah County,” Spickard said. “People crave authenticity. They want the real thing.”

The pointers: Don't try to compete with larger shopping centers such as University Mall, strengthen downtown anchors (Marriott Hotel, Wells Fargo Center, Performing Arts Center) and preserve the existing walking environ- ment.

Those tips came with this road map: Plant retail and dining establishments along Center Street and University Avenue, and concentrate high-density office space and housing on surrounding blocks.

Provo plans to incorporate the report into a strategic plan, while also offering it up as a database for interested developers.

“We've long felt that downtown Provo is on the cusp of some really tremendous growth and redevelopment,” said Paul Glauser, director of the city's Redevelopment Agency.

As for the downtown housing element - an important aspect in leaders' eyes - the analysis advocates sticking largely with rentals. It notes downtown Provo has a 29 percent homeownership rate.

Analysis projections show a conservative demand for at least 916 more multifamily rental units in the next 20 years. The state predicts Provo's population will top 136,000 by 2030, up from the current 115,000. As for food, Spickard said Provo could add one large “destination” restaurant downtown each year for the next 20 years.

“It would really be nice to see more restaurants west on Center Street, near the Performing Arts Center,” said Councilwoman Cindy Rich- ards.

toddh@sltrib.com