The Sugar House developer petitioning to redevelop much of the so-called Granite Block has asked Salt Lake City officials for a 40-day extension to complete demolition at the site in order to solve a common-wall problem at 1080 E. 2100 South. In a letter sent to the capital's building director, Craig Mecham says his team still is negotiating with Rockwood Investment Associates about the brick wall that borders a retail gallery and what's left of the Blue Boutique building. Mecham calls on the city not to seize his $20,000 bond to begin landscaping until the talks are complete. "I do believe that an agreement is imminent," Mecham writes. "If we are unsuccessful in reaching an agreement with that time frame, we will remove the common wall and complete the demolition." The city will issue its response midweek, according to the mayor's office. Mecham, who says the delay has been "beyond our control," contends the shared wall is on his property and may be taken out without Rockwood's consent. But his letter hints legal action may be coming. In the interim, Mecham pledges to replace a stolen fence to secure the area and maintain upkeep at the site, which is rife with broken boards, bricks and glass. As part of Mecham's demolition permit - issued last year - he agreed to landscape the area by April 30 if construction had not begun. That delay led the city this month to threaten forfeiture of Mecham's bond and possible legal action. Mecham says his team has "diligently been working" with Planning Commission staff, including a subcommittee, about the planned retail, office and residential project. - Derek P. Jensen