Seven questions with Nancy Le, Operations Coordinator for the Downtown Alliance. Nancy practices what she preaches by living, working, shopping and playing in our urban core. 

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?

As long as I can remember I've always been downtown either catching a Jazz game or shopping. But one memory I have in particular was visiting Takashi when they first opened; I think it was Summer 2004. I remember my friends and I didn't know what to order so we just had the sushi chef do an omakase for us and it was amazing! Ever since then, Takashi has been one of my favorite restaurants to go to and I still go there at least once a month.

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

I love downtown because it’s a central meet-up place. I have friends from all over the Wasatch front, but when we try to get together for a girl’s night out or brunch we always pick a spot downtown. I love that downtown brings everyone together. Downtown is my favorite, that’s why when I was ready to have my own place, I chose to live downtown. 

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

I think downtown will have more of everything; it will be even busier and continue to grow. I think we will have even more unique pop-up shops on Main Street and Regent Street, more shopping boutiques, bars and restaurants. I’ve witnessed Downtown evolve rapidly since I started living downtown and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping! Every time I’m driving down 400 South I notice our skyline getting bigger. I’m excited about the changes and growth in Downtown.

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

We have such a good bar and restaurant scene right now; I would love to see more local boutique shops open up around downtown where shoppers can find things that they can’t find anywhere else. 

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

Food:
Takashi
Eva's
Valters

Bars:
White Horse
Lake Effect

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?

I don’t have a favorite day, but I love Downtown in the summertime. I love basking in the hot sun and grabbing a drink out on the patio. I love that the sun is out later and more people are out and about. The city comes out of its hibernation. 

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

If I’m not downtown working or playing. I’m traveling, we try to fit as much time to travel and split our time between Newport and visit friends in San Francisco! 

The Downtown Alliance can learn from the successes of other neighborhoods and downtowns throughout the country. The Urban Exploration program brings public and private sector leaders together to learn about the best practices of other cities. This is the fifth in a series of annual trips sponsored by the Downtown Alliance to build relationships and learn from the success of other communities.

The Urban Exploration program is a working trip focused on building relationships and inspiring innovation in downtown Salt Lake City. This year's urban exploration participants will learn about downtown Minneapolis' recently completed developments, homeless services, public arts, parks and more. 

This is the fifth in a series of annual trips sponsored by the Downtown Alliance to build relationships and learn from the success of other communities: we visited New York in 2014, Chicago in 2015, San Francisco in 2016 and Boston in 2017.

Minneapolis 2025 Panel:
The Downtown 2025 Plan was launched in 2011 as a 15-year plan aimed at completing 10 goals by the year 2025. Today, the 2025 Plan is comprised of roughly 300 volunteers working on six different committees. The 2025 Plan has 10 core initiatives that focus on downtown development, greening and public realm, downtown experience, transportation, ending street homelessness and launching a festival of ideas. These initiatives work hand-in-hand to create a flourishing downtown environment for those who live, work, play and explore here. 

Our group was joined by Steve Cramer (President & CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council) and Joseph Desenclos (Livability Team Operations Supervisor, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District) The panel discussed the successes, shortcomings and outcomes of the 2025 plan. With a new world-class airport coming online in the next few years, a burgeoning tech scene and several large-scale developments, the Minneapolis 2025 plan offered valuable insights for our public and private sector attendees. 

Green Minneapolis & The Commons Discussion: 
The Commons is a world-class urban green space that hosts a range of use for downtown residents, workers and visitors just North of the new U.S. Bank Stadium. The park exemplifies public-private partnerships and Minneapolis' commitment to urban green space throughout the city. Both public and private contributions funded the design, construction and initial operations of The Commons. The Commons' annual operating budget is funded with a combination of public and private contributions that includes The City of Minneapolis, revenue from program sponsorships, concession revenue (restaurants, food, event venue fees), and philanthropic support. The City of Minneapolis has contracted with Green Minneapolis to operate, manage and program the park. The park operator is responsible for the coordination of standard maintenance activities such as irrigation, mowing, trash removal, snow and ice control, etc.

We were joined by Beth Shogren (Executive Director) from Green Minneapolis, a 501 (c)3 conservancy for a presentation on the Commons park that included the lessons learned from the history, ongoing public-private partnerships and management of the space.

Lunch at The Guthrie with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Representatives:
The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board permanently preserve, protect, maintain, improve and enhance its natural resources, parkland and recreation opportunities for current and future generations. Today, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is an independently elected, semi-autonomous body responsible for governing, maintaining and developing the Minneapolis Park System. The 6,800 -acre system consists of local and regional parks, playgrounds, golf courses, gardens, biking and walking paths, nature sanctuaries, lakes and a 55-mile parkway system.

Jennifer Ringold (Deputy Superintendent, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board) presented at a lunch panel about the history of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the opportunities the board provides for residents and visitors across the city. 

Optional Afternoon Activities:
Our Minneapolis Park presentation was followed by several optional activities that were strategically selected projects and initiatives that correlate to emerging initiatives and trends in downtown Salt Lake City – with a little bit of fun mixed in for good measure!

Guthrie Theater Tour:
The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st-century arts organization. The Guthrie Theater was founded by Sir Tyrone Guthrie in 1963 and is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists. Under the artistic leadership of Joseph Haj, the Guthrie produces a mix of classic and contemporary plays on three stages and continues to set a national standard for excellence in theatrical production and performance. 

Walker Art Center & Urban Sculpture Garden Tour:
The Walker Art Center is a catalyst for the creative expression of artists and the active engagement of audiences. Focusing on the visual, performing, and media arts of our time, the Walker takes a global, multidisciplinary, and diverse approach to the creation, presentation, interpretation, collection, and preservation of art. Walker programs examine the questions that shape and inspire us as individuals, cultures, and communities. The Walker sits at the edge of downtown Minneapolis, nestled between a vibrant urban core and historic residential neighborhoods, its campus connected to the city's renowned system of parks and lakes. The expanded facility nearly doubled the size of the Walker and features new galleries and education areas, a new 385-seat theater, street-level and roof-top terraces, plazas, gardens, and lounges; and increased services and amenities for visitors. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a project of the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, is adjacent to the museum. More than 6.5 million people have toured the 11-acre site, which is filled with some 40 works of contemporary art.

Tour leads included Kristian Anderson (Executive Director, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art) and Walker Art Center representatives. 

Mill City Museum Tour:
Originally designed by Austrian engineer William de la Barre and declared the world's largest flour mill after its completion in 1880, the structure housing Mill City Museum is a National Historic Landmark. Known as the Washburn A Mill, it was nearly destroyed by fire in 1991. After the City of Minneapolis, working through the Minneapolis Community Development Agency, cleaned up the rubble and fortified the mill's charred walls, the Minnesota Historical Society announced plans to construct a milling museum and education center within the ruins. Faced with the challenge of preserving the ruins of this historically significant site while building a modern museum, the Society turned to Thomas Meyer, principal of Minneapolis architectural firm Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. Meyer developed a concept that melded the historic integrity of the mill structures with modern components. Construction on the museum began in March 2001.

Mall of America Tour:
Since opening its doors in 1992, Mall of America has revolutionized the shopping experience and become a leader in retail, entertainment and attractions. Mall of America is one of the top tourist destinations in the country as well as one of the most recognizable brands.

Closing Reception: 
The 2018 Urban Exploration trip formally concluded at the world-famous Walker Art Center's Cityview room. The Cityview Room offers floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace with Minneapolis skyline views.

The Downtown Alliance can learn from the successes of other neighborhoods and downtowns throughout the country. The Urban Exploration program brings public and private sector leaders together to learn about the best practices of other cities. This is the fifth in a series of annual trips sponsored by the Downtown Alliance to build relationships and learn from the success of other communities.

The Urban Exploration program is a working trip focused on building relationships and inspiring innovation in downtown Salt Lake City. This year's urban exploration participants will learn about downtown Minneapolis' recently completed developments, homeless services, public arts, parks and more. 

This is the fifth in a series of annual trips sponsored by the Downtown Alliance to build relationships and learn from the success of other communities: we visited New York in 2014, Chicago in 2015, San Francisco in 2016 and Boston in 2017. 

Lessons Learned - Nicollet Mall Panel: 
Our group started off the day by speaking with members of the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District and City officials to discuss  lessons learned from the recently completed Nicollet Mall: 
Don Elwood - Director of Transportation Engineering and Design (Minneapolis Gov)
Mary Altman - Public Arts Administrator (Minneapolis Gov)
Lisa Middag - Director of Urban Activation (Downtown Improvement District) 

Nicollet Mall is a 12-block mall running through downtown Minneapolis and has been Minneapolis' civic "Main Street" for more than 100 years. People come to Nicollet to work eat and shop year-round, and it's the first impression many visitors get of the entire metro area. The street has been recently redesigned and will be formally finished in Spring of 2018 and construction free for the first time in over four years. But this complete overhaul did not come without some hardships. From lost business to construction headaches, the redesigned Nicollet has been a subject of controversy for Minneapolis elected officials, business leaders and the public. The redesigned Nicollet is expected to inject $105 million in new annual revenue, add nearly 3,000 jobs in downtown and increase property values in the area by $57 million.

This panel discussed the public-private partnership that led to the transformation of the Nicollet Mall and street redesign. Establishing trust and working with small businesses during the four-year construction process was heavily emphasized. As Salt Lake City continues to expand, learning from the successes and struggles of a large scale, complex project like Nicollet can help our City and private sector leaders better work together as new projects arise. 

Nicollet Mall - "Nuts and Bolts" Tour:
After hearing from City leaders, our group headed out the Nicollet Mall to see some of the public art installations and intricate features discussed in our panel.  

Designed by James Corner Field Operations with a deep respect for the history, identity and spirit of the place, the reimagined Nicollet retains the famous serpentine curve and offers new flexible spaces to support and enhance the existing outdoor cafes and other street activities. Generously-scaled and clearly marked walkways, curb-free intersections, new social spaces and destinations that are attractions year-round, and a curated outdoor gallery of public art offer pedestrians the highest quality downtown walking experience. Nicollet Center between 6th and 8th streets offers year-round comfortable seating, shaded by a row of native oak trees and artist-designed lanterns. The two-block-long outdoor corridor of programmable lights known as the Light Walk makes the Center a destination, a spectacular place for the public to gather and participate in a variety of informal and programmed events, festivals, performances and markets. 

Optional Afternoon Activities: 
Our tour of Nicollet Mall was followed by several optional activities that were strategically selected projects and initiatives that correlate to emerging initiatives and trends in downtown Salt Lake City – with a little bit of fun mixed in for good measure!

U.S. Bank Stadium Tour: 
February's Super Bowl was a coming-out party of sorts for Minneapolis' brand new U.S. Bank Stadium. Even with the Vikings out of the big game, the Twin Cities had many reasons to show hometown pride. The crown jewel of Minneapolis' “Big Build", the U.S. Bank Stadium is part of an ongoing wave of public and private redevelopment that, when all investment is finished in 2025, will bring $2 billion of investment to Minneapolis over the next few years. 

Tour leads included Downtown Alliance Board Chair Molly Mazzollini (Partner @ Infinite Scale) and SMG representatives. Infinite Scale worked with the Minnesota Vikings to create a Brand Integration Master Plan for their new home – U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. A comprehensive signage and graphics system was developed to reflect the corporate partners' vision, while complementing the building structure and integrating seamlessly with the Vikings brand. In addition to this NFL stadium, Infinite Scale designed the experience for Target Field and the Courts at Mayo Clinic Square, the training facility for Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx. 

T3 Tour - Mass Timber Office Development:
T3, the largest modern mass timber building in the USA is now complete. Featuring over 180,000 square feet of office space over 8 stories, the timber superstructure was installed in only 9.5 weeks. With the successful launch of T3 Minneapolis (timber, technology, transportation), tall wood construction in North America continues to reach new heights. Replacing traditional structural systems such as concrete and steel, prefabricated solid wood panels, such as Nail-Laminated Timber panels, create a construction method which is fast, clean, and sustainable–not to mention aesthetically pleasing. 

We were joined by Bob Pfefferie (Managing Director, Hines Minneapolis) and Dusty Harris (Senior Managing Director, Hines Salt Lake City) for a walking tour of this innovative office product. 

Better Futures Minnesota Tour: 
Better Futures Minnesota engages men who have had a history of incarceration, homelessness, poverty, and untreated mental and physical health challenges to help them achieve self-sufficiency and a better future for themselves and their communities. We seek to address this crisis through an evidence-based, integrated-care model that connects the men of Better Futures with the Four Fundamentals (health, housings, jobs, and coaching) and focuses on healing, personal accountability, and hard work—all of the parts working together to achieve personal transformation and positive outcomes. Since 2007, Better Futures Minnesota's unique model has helped men throughout Minnesota realize their potential for success and become responsible members of the community who earn wages, pay taxes and child support, and are self-sufficient and engaged in building their own success stories.

Our group was joined by Steve Thomas (Founder and Social Enterprise Development Officer, Better Futures), Thomas Adams (President & CEO, Better Futures) and Better Future staff for a tour of the Better Futures warehouse and an in-depth conversation about Better Futures mission. 

Reception and Lessons Learned at the Minneapolis Club:
Our group capped the day by sharing what we learned from our panels and afternoon tours in the historic Minneapolis Club Building.

The Minneapolis Club was founded in 1883 by leading Minnesota business and civic leaders, including John Pillsbury and Charles Loring. In its first 25 years, the club changed locations three times. It has been headquartered in its present location, however, since its opening in 1909. 

When he's not catching a concert in our urban core, you can find this Utah transplant enjoying our great outdoors. 

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?

My fondest memory of Downtown was during Summer 2015. Summer evenings in Downtown mean outdoor dining and drinks, followed by Twilight, rounded off with a gorgeous nighttime bike ride home. We started out our night grabbing dinner at Pie Hole. Roasted Red Pepper Basil slices out on the patio hit the spot. We then hopped on our bikes to head over to Pioneer Park for the Twilight Show. We had a blast feeding off the energy of the fans in the crowd. The show was great, and after it ended we decided it was the perfect night for drinks. We grabbed our bikes and headed over to Beer Bar for a few cold beers before biking off into the night to go home. It was my perfect summer night, and it happened right in Downtown SLC. 

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

The sense of opportunity. I moved to SLC in 2011, and since then I have witnessed it evolve and grow. New places pop up all the time, and when there is something vacant, there is no shortage of "I know what would be awesome there!" Downtown Boston, where I visited frequently, is settled and matured. Downtown SLC is just hitting its stride, with many more years to come where new ideas and ventures will spring up all over. SLC has an air of potential that you just don't find in places like Boston and I can't wait to see the next step in its evolution. 

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

I think its cultural and identity will be more settled and developed. With its rapid growth, I think that a lot of great spots have popped up and will continue to pop up. Cultural events are more and more common, and diverse population is finally starting to embed itself in our community. Downtown is figuring out how to balance the variety of different cultures, tastes, and opinions that came with our rapid growth. These things need to settle, and Downtown stakeholders are doing a great job at coordinating our path to successfully crafting our unique SLC culture. I think in 5 years, Downtown SLC will have shouted its brand even to the world and be a major destination for the Portland or Austin experience of old. 

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

Downtown SLC doesn't have many flaws, but my chief complaint is how big the streets are. Look at many major cities or even cities comparable in size to SLC and you will find cozier corridors for auto travel. Here, the streets are massive plains of pavement that can at times take away from neighborhood closeness. Broadway has taken appropriate steps in addressing this, and I think it is one of the better places to business for it. It slows cars down, gives pedestrians and cyclists a path by which they can take a look around and discover the local shops and restaurants that make Downtown what it is. Bigger streets, like 200 S, have a degree of separation from one side to the other, and those walking have a much louder, less intimate experience with those shops they pass. We don't need to turn carriages around in one swoop anymore, let's switch up how we look at car travel in Downtown!

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

First, hit the Broadway Theatre. Interesting movies, yummy snacks, reasonable price, and an indie experience that defines a certain part of Downtown Culture. Second, go up to Memory Grove and stretch out those legs after your film. It is beautiful and the access to nature is a defining point for many of those coming to Downtown SLC. How cool is it that a beautiful, auto-restricted canyon meets up pretty much with the main drag of an urban center? The symbiotic relationship between Wild Utah and Urban Utah is palpable here, and something I want everyone to experience. After some food and drinks, I would say hit a show at the Depot, one of the coolest and most unique venues I have been to. Many great musicians pass through the Depot and it is hard to find a bad show there. 

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?

Its hard to choose, there are many different days that are equally great, but my favorite is Pioneer Day. A unique-to-Utah holiday, it was brand new to me when I first moved here. Another day off?? Awesome! But it is so much more. Apart from the awesome history that the holiday celebrates, SLC has a vibrant counter-culture movement that has dubbed a parallel holiday as "Pie and Beer Day." And Downtown gets into it. Local radio stations host event at Beer Bar, Downtown Breweries run special releases and pie options, and it is a day of celebration for just about everyone Downtown. It is a truly unique Downtown SLC holiday that you just don't get anywhere else. 

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

Exploring Middle of Nowhere, Utah. I am usually on my motorcycle or in my truck trying to fill in an office of tourism roadmap I have with all the roads I have traveled. Utah is an awesome place to live, and its ability to throw you from a thriving urban center to a rugged mountaintop 50 miles from another person within two hours is astounding. I will never get over how cool this state is and how many different tastes it can cater to. 

Opening Soon

Dave and Busters | The Gateway | The Gateway has announced the opening of entertainment and dining chain Dave and Buster’s, which will open its first Utah location Spring 2018.

Este Deli | 238 S Main  | Eleven years ago Dave Heiblim brought New York Style Pizza to Salt Lake. Since it’s inception, Este Pizza has opened three locations (Sugarhouse, Downtown & Park City) and has won the Salt Lake City Weekly’s readers poll for “Best Pizza” numerous times. Locals and East Coast transplants alike can testify to the authenticity of Este’s offerings. Now Este is bringing “Deli” to Utah and offering an array of classic sandwiches from the East Coast and beyond. Classics hoagies include the Italian, Cheesesteak, Buffalo Chicken and Chicken, Eggplant and Meatball Parmesan.

LaBarba Coffee |  The Gateway | They make one of the best cups of coffee in Utah—and maybe the West. And now, they are moving their downtown location to The Gateway. LaBarba Coffee has announced plans to open its newest location in the heart of downtown’s up-and-coming sports and entertainment district, set to open Spring 2018.

Lo Fi Cafe | 445 South 400 West |

London Belle | From those that brought you downtown hits like Pleiku and the short-lived SoCo, London Belle is anticipated to open in the spring. Named after one of Utah’s most high profile madames, it is located near the historic Boston and Newhouse Buildings. Taking the place of SoCo, this upscale bar will feature a diverse menu with unique offerings and craft cocktails. #redlightslc

MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza | The Gateway | MidiCi has made a name for itself by offering authentic Neapolitan thin crust pizza, baked in handmade wood-fired ovens imported from Italy—right in the center of its restaurants—so that patrons can see exactly what goes into everything they make.

Sicilia Mia | According to Salt Lake Magazine, “This is the Italian restaurant, apparently, Salt Lake has been waiting for!” The location off of Highland Drive will be closing, in order to bring the authentic taste of Italy to downtown.

Tacos De Plebe | 451 South State Street

Recently Opened

Cupla Coffee | 175 West 200 South Inside the Axis Business Building | Identical twins, Abigail Purdie and Bethany Heath are the dynamic duo behind Utah’s one and only Cupla Coffee House. We pride ourselves on sourcing our green bean from a lovely selection of quality coffee plantations from around the world. Our beans are organic, fair trade and shade grown. We rotate our coffee according to availability, seasonality, and supply. Along with being a high altitude roastery which allows Cupla to create deliciously unique flavors and quality notes to our roasts, we are also a small batch, tabletop roasting company. This technique allows the beans to be precisely roasted and gives our company the ability to offer fresh and high-quality product every batch, every day.

Doki Doki | 249 E 400 S | Rolled ice cream is starting to take off in a big way, and new eateries offering the tasty spirals of frozen goodness are finding ways to present them with something unexpected. At Doki Doki (249 E. 400 South, 385-229-4339, facebook.com/dokidessert), which celebrated its grand opening at the tail end of February, they're rolling up their ice cream inside sweet Japanese crêpes. To drink, Doki Doki serves different cream teas, along with boba tea for those who like their beverages to have a bit of texture. Beat the summer rush and get there now.

Quarters Arcade Bar | 5 East 400 South | Located in the basement of the historic New Grand Hotel, Quarters is downtown Salt Lake City’s first beer arcade. Quarters arcade will provide a casual, comfortable gaming and social environment paired with craft cocktails and beer as well as familiar and affordable liquor and brews.

Pretty Bird |  146 S Regent St   | Pretty Bird, Viet Pham’s latest venture, is focused around fried chicken. But not just any kind of fried chicken, he’s heating up downtown Salt Lake’s dining scene with hot chicken. “It’s hot fried chicken that originated in Nashville,” Pham says. “I tried it for the first time in 2012 and I’ve been working on this concept ever since then.” The chicken will come in four levels of heat: mild, medium, hot and “hot behind.” Along with fried chicken, a variety of seasonal sides will be offered. Located on Regent Street, Pretty Bird is a cozy spot in the Eccles Building, with 16 seats inside and a patio with space for an additional 25 when weather permits.

True Gentleman Custom Suits | 281 S Weechquootee Plaza |Buying fine clothing should be an experience that is unlike any other! True Gentleman is turning men's fashion in custom tailored clothing into a lifestyle, not just a brand. We are continuously pushing the men's fashion industry to new heights and are changing the way people perceive the clothing buying experience specifically, bespoke suits. Founded in late 2013 True Gentleman has grown to be a nationwide brand with customers ranging from top executives, billboard music awardees, and professional athletes.

Avant Groove Jazz Club and Martini Bar | 122 West Pierpont Avenue | From local entrepreneur and jazz musician John Vecci comes downtown’s dedicated jazz club. Combined with original cocktails and martinis, Avant Groove features an exceptional dining experience to compliment the music and ambiance.

Borosyndicate Glass Gallery | 60 Exchange Place | More than just your typical head shop, Borosyndicate is elevating the art of glassblowing and bringing it downtown. In addition to the typical offerings, there is gallery space for artists to showcase hand-blown glass pieces and other sculptural works.

Recently Closed

Publik Coffee at City Creek Center

Seven questions with Carson Chambers, Market Manager for Urban Food Connections of Utah. When she's not getting her hands dirty at the Downtown Farmers Market, you can find Carson exploring the great state of Utah with her loyal companions.

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown? 

I grew up dancing with Children's Dance Theatre, now called Tanner Dance. Every spring we performed at the Capitol Theatre. All year I looked forward to those weeks of rehearsals and performances. I remember the magical atmosphere of walking into the old theater in the heart of downtown. I loved feeling the weight of history at the theater, the smell of spring blossoms on the trees, the sounds of a buzzing city. I also loved seeing my mom's name on the walls backstage — Michele Massoney you are a legend! I saw downtown as a place of endless possibility and excitement. 

What is your favorite thing about downtown?  

My favorite thing about downtown is that at one moment you feel like a single person in a sea of strangers and at the next, you are walking by a childhood friend who works in the building across the street. There's an expansiveness and a small town feel all at once.

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now? 

I hope that five years from now there are more people out on the streets, more interesting and engaging artistic displays, additional green spaces, a bustling public market, and a general trend towards a more vibrant city.

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why? 

Right now SLC still feels like a commuter city so it's pretty quiet outside of business hours. I'd love to see more people walking and biking on the streets at all hours of the day, every day of the week. 

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to? 

Well, I'm kind of a hermit so this is a challenging question... I guess I would recommend looking at what shows are at the Eccles Theater, Capitol Theatre, and Rose Wagner, and obviously checking out one of the three Farmers Markets downtown. Plus, downtown is really the best place for the nightlife scene — fun bars and fantastic restaurants. 

What's your favorite day of the year downtown? 

I don't think this is an acceptable answer since it's not a single day, but I love when there are spring blossoms in the valley and snow on the mountains, heaven!

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment? 

When I'm not downtown I'm in the mountains or in the desert, usually with friends, family and loved ones, and always with my pups.

Seven Questions with Nick Como, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Downtown Alliance. Can a diehard Yankee fan learn a thing or two from a Red Sox fan? Find out in our latest staff profile. 

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?

I moved to Utah in 2004 to be a ski bum, so downtown was pretty far off my radar. The first time I can recall coming downtown was for a ski-related event at the Salt Palace. I was with some friends who took me to the Gateway and then Hong Kong Tea House for dinner afterward. Having grown up in New York City, I missed authentic restaurants, so I was blown away by the dim sum and other items on the menu that reminded me of Chinatown. Living in the suburbs near the Cottonwood Canyons I was limited to chains, so I mostly ate at home thinking Utah was bland. After that night I began picking up City Weekly and reading Ted Sheffler's food reviews and starting a list of restaurants I wanted to try based on his column. Imagine this - Ted, a Red Sox fan, is who I have to thank for making this New Yorker comfortable in Utah. So, thanks Ted! City Weekly also turned me onto live music and culture I did not expect to find in SLC. When I left the ski industry six years ago I knew I wanted to work downtown - luckily it turned out I also get to help promote and shape our community. 

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

The variety of options. I mentioned food, but we also have so many bars that there are options dedicated to wine, or beer and whiskey bars. Bands I love making it a point to play our city - that was not the case when I moved here. I can legit ski powder in the morning and be eating fresh seafood for a lunch meeting at Current by noon. In fact, that is exactly on my agenda next week.

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

More of everything. More people, bars, restaurants, buildings, art, events, festivals and jobs. This is an exciting time to a part of a growing city. Luckily, SLC is going through its awkward growth spurt right now, so we have the opportunity to not make the same mistakes other cities made as pre-pubescents. We can build the grown-up city of our dreams together.   

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

Real beer on tap. Do I really need to explain why? 

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

Beerhive. Takashi. Bagel Project. Obviously not in that order, but then I can say "See, I told you so." 

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?

The first warm day of spring when everyone is back out on Main Street walking to lunch, sitting on patios and soaking up the sun. 

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

Ski by winter, bike by summer, and travel far and wide as much as I can.

Seven questions with Kristin Beck, Managing Director of the Cultural Core. Meet downtown's placemaking and creative guru in our latest staff profile.

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?

A regular activity was to go downtown and wander around (get into trouble) with my friends on the weekends and during the summer. We'd visit as many vintage shops as possible, check out the mall, covet the clothes in Contempo. Then we'd make time to dip into Cosmic Aeroplane on 100 South. We'd pine over the beautiful jewelry. I loved how the store smelled. The vibe there was so enthralling and cool. Of course, we couldn't ever resist exploring the space in the basement.

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

I don't think I can name just one thing. Working for Downtown Alliance affords a lot of perspectives. I love the steady evolution and the diversity of options. The people who work here care about the community and create the momentum for vibrancy in the place they love. I also love the excellent selection of restaurants, bars and the uniqueness and variety of retail options.

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

My hope is for an expansion west. I'd love to see thoughtful and practical development that builds on and supports what already exists.

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

The air quality. I'd like more options for public transit and an investment in education regarding different modes of travel and awareness of how to share the road. 

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

There is so much to see and experience downtown. The variety makes it easy to recommend options. I'd send them to Copper Common for a snack and craft cocktail. Junior's for a beer and a window into history. Takashi for amazing sushi.
Rose Wagner has an amazing variety of entertainment options including dance, concerts, theatre, and music. There's rarely a time when their theater space is dark.

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?

Any day downtown is a good day but the opening of Utah Arts Festival is always festive. 

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

I love spending time with my family and friends. We golf & camp together; I ride bikes with my sister and spend quality time with my friends.

Seven Questions with Ryan Mack, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Downtown Alliance. Explore SLC's side streets and Ryan's favorite eats in our latest staff profile.

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?

As a diehard Utah Jazz fan, one of my fondest memories of downtown was the 1998 NBA Finals. The whole city was behind our team and there were great watch parties outside of the Devereaux Mansion across from the arena. Jordan pushed off by the way. 

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

My favorite thing about downtown are the off the beaten path streets like Edison and Exchange Place. They're home to some of my favorite businesses like Diabolical Records and also serve as a more scenic route to some of our major streets. 

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

I think we'll have more of everything in five years. A bigger skyline, more bars, restaurants and most importantly, more people living downtown. An increased downtown population will really add a sense of vibrancy and density to our urban core.

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

I would change how we use our extraordinarily wide sidewalks. For example, our Garden Stroll program where we put mini pop-up parks along Main Street serves as a great example on how we can better utilize them. 

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

FOOD:
-Valters
-Curry N'Kabob
-Takashi

Entertainment:
-Utah Jazz games
-Downtown Farmers Market
-Concerts @ The Depot

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?    

Not sure if I have a favorite day, but my favorite time in downtown is spring. the trees are blossoming, patios are once again an option and it is optimal GREENbike weather. The city comes out of its winter hibernation for sure. 

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

If I'm not downtown, you can find me biking and skiing in the Wasatch. If I'm not there, I'll be hanging out with my girlfriend and dog!

Seven questions with Jason Mathis, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance. From hand-pulled taffy at the Lion House to his must-see destinations, find out what Jason loves about our city center.

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?

I grew up on 1200 East right by Rice Eccles Stadium, so downtown has always been part of my life. Most of my early memories from downtown involve food for some reason. I remember going to the deli in the basement of ZCMI department store. I also remember eating at the Mexican restaurant Tampico on Regent Street as well as making hand-pulled taffy at the Lion House for an early birthday. 

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

Shakespeare wrote: "What is a city but the people?"  To me, that is the critical element that sets downtown apart from every other neighborhood in the state. Downtown is diverse and attracts people with wildly different life experiences. And that's how it should be. It doesn't matter how much money you have, what you do for a living, the color of your skin, the size of your waistband, the country you came from, your religious views, your political beliefs or who you love: downtown is for you.  

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

There are a half dozen major projects that are ready for a public launch in the next three to six months. This is in response to the incredible renaissance we are currently experiencing downtown.  People want to live and work in this dynamic and diverse urban center. Most of these projects will take two or three years to build, so five years from now, you'll see 10,000 more people living downtown and another 20,000 people working downtown. 

Brick and mortar retail is undergoing a major shift right now, but people like being around other people. The need to socialize and be entertained in interesting surroundings hasn't gone away.  Hopefully, we manage the shifts in spending and interest in ways that reinforce downtown's role as Utah's coolest neighborhood. 

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

There is an unhealthy tension in our community holds us back. Specifically, I mean tension between LDS and non-LDS people and those with different political views. Most folks are just good people doing their best to do right by their jobs, families and communities - regardless of their religious beliefs or voting record. But on the fringes, there are people who are judgemental and bigoted. I've heard supposedly liberal people say things about Mormons that they would never say about another religious minority or ethnic group. And I've seen LDS people look down their noses at people who they believe are not living their lives the way that God has prescribed, because someone is gay or they drink or they just don't go to church on Sunday. It's not healthy. I wish people would spend more time worrying about their own path forward and less time condemning others for their religious or political beliefs. We can all do better. 

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

City Creek Center is pretty impressive as a planned urban community. The way it wraps around TRAX and incorporates other parts of the city into the design, not to mention all the bells and whistles like the trout pond and retractable roof, is unique. When colleagues from other cities see this planned development, they are always blown away by the quality of the project and the thought that went into it.  I also like all the back streets and alleyways that connect the big block and streets. I don't have a car so I walk or GREENbike all around downtown and I always try to go by way of Edison Street, Exchange Place, Regent Street or Pierpont Ave. 

Honestly one of the best parts about downtown are the diverse restaurants and bars. There are exceptional dining and nightlife experiences in downtown. whenever I hear that somebody went to a suburban chain restaurant for a meeting or celebration, it makes me sad for them that they missed out on a more interesting and deep experience downtown. 

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?

New Year's Day, the day after Thanksgiving and opening day of the Downtown Farmers Market and Twilight. Also pretty much the whole month of May when flowers are out on Temple Square, the Gateway, City Creek Center and along Main Street. Temperatures are sunny and mild and everybody wants to be outside. 

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

 I like to ski at Snowbird, hang out with my wife, son and dog and run Spartan Races.