A parking lot at the University of Utah was ripped up last August leaving students upset over the lack of places on campus for their cars.
The lot east of Lassonde Studios will eventually be home to the Impact and Prosperity Epicenter — providing housing for up to 775 students. While it means fewer parking options, it’s part of the university’s plan to turn a historically commuter campus into a community campus.
The university’s chief experience officer, Andreas Thomas, said they are responding to student demand for more housing.
“Coming out of the pandemic, the students have really been wanting to work on campus in greater numbers. They have had the experience where they kind of missed that connectivity,” she said.
There are still options for students who commute. Each receives a Utah Transit Authority bus/train pass through their student card. Students can also purchase parking passes or use pay lots. Most purchase U parking passes that are $150 for Fall and Spring semesters. Thomas said they are looking into additional parking options after taking out the lot next to Lassonde Studios.
This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.