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The heart of Sugar House just got a little prettier.

The new Sugar House Monument Plaza was dedicated Friday to much fanfare after years of planning.

It encompasses almost an acre of open space at 2100 South between McClelland Street and Highland Drive. The price tag for the Redevelopment Agency project: $2.5 million.

"It was a long time coming but was worth the wait," RDA Board Chairman Stan Penfold, said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "This will be one of the most active, attractive plazas in the city."

The RDA Board doubles as the City Council.

Constructing the plaza required closing the right-turn lane on eastbound 2100 South at Highland Drive. One result is that the art-deco monument built in 1930 is now easily accessible to pedestrians.

The general concept for the new plaza was drawn up by former City Councilman Soren Simonsen in 2003, before he was elected to the council.

Friday, Simonsen said he's been waiting for the plaza for "a long, long time."

"I love it," he said. "It's exciting to see that it has happened."

Several restaurants front the plaza and spill out onto it, adding to the ambiance of the place.

City Councilwoman Lisa Adams, who represents the Sugar House area, said she was "delighted" with the new plaza.

"I've enjoyed watching the activity here," she said. "Kids are playing here. Families are dining here. It's wonderful."

RDA Executive Director D.J. Baxter said the plaza is a community gathering place.

"Building a beautiful city," he said, "is about building beautiful people places."

Christopher Smart