As part of an 18-acre, mixed-use project just south of the 2100 South light-rail station, between State and Main streets, the apartment complex would dwarf this suburb's other structures, including the five-story Granite School District headquarters.

"It will totally change the face of South Salt Lake in a positive way," said Councilman Shane Siwik. "It'll just give us a real shot in the arm. It's the wow factor that we've needed for a long time."

The City Council, which already has approved a special zone for the project, is poised to enter a development agreement tonight that would welcome the estimated half-billion-dollar "Market Station" venture. The project would take five to seven years to complete and could include as many as 850 residential units, along with pocket parks, a small grocery store, fitness center, day care and restaurants.

"It's going to be unlike anything in Utah," developer Steve Aste of Park City said Tuesday. "It's not [The] Gateway; it's not any of these other supposed lifestyle centers."

It could be the reverse of The Gateway. Just take the 40-acre, retail-oriented development on downtown Salt Lake City's west side - with its 400 or so residential units - and flip the focus to highlight living over shopping.

"This has accommodations for everyday living," said Aste, who is a principal of Cascade Development Partners in Park City. "All your daily needs will be met there."

Aste, who is partnering with Los Angeles-based West Millennium Homes on the project, wants it to cater to a diverse group of people.

South Salt Lake plans to kick in a "substantial amount" of Redevelopment Agency funds to help with some infrastructure, according to Councilman Mike Rutter.

Exactly how much aid remains in question, but those amounts could be worked out in the development agreement. Rutter said RDA funds will help with such needs as sewer, water, roads and bringing additional transit.

A streetcar - essentially a slower, quieter TRAX line with more frequent stops - is expected to run through the development east to Sugar House. The project area is about a block from the Central Pointe TRAX stop.

Some officials predict that Market Station will have a huge impact on the city.

Councilwoman Marilyn Brusch said her colleagues are "in awe" of the proposal, which she hopes will give the city a downtown feel.

sgehrke@sltrib.com

* South Salt Lake officials will hash out details in the development agreement at 6 p.m. tonight in a meeting in the City Council Chambers, 220 E. Morris Ave. (2430 South).

* More details are available online at www.market- stationliving.com