Reimagining Utah’s Silicon Slopes to become a multimodal city, forging a new template for urban development.

Situated in the heart of the Intermountain West, Utah is the youngest and fastest-growing state in the country. To help address this unprecedented growth, the state government is redeveloping the site of the former Utah State Prison, known as The Point.

The Point has been specifically designed as a compact, multimodal city, in which all daily needs are accessible by walking, biking, scooting, and taking transit. As part of this effort, TYLin developed a Smart Mobility Study which will underpin the design of streets, the range of mobility options, and the policies needed to make it a reality.

A truly strategic approach

The site is strategically located between Utah’s major universities and largest labor sheds, and is situated at the epicenter of the “Silicon Slopes,” Utah’s burgeoning high-tech corridor.

The redevelopment plans intend to foster innovation and technological advancement; establish extensive trails, parks, and open space; provide a diverse range of housing options; and catalyze economic growth.

When it comes to engaging the community, through consultation the public’s vision is engrained in every aspect of decision-making, ensuring that the site delivers on its promise, provides long-term community benefits, and meets leading sustainability measures.

In terms of wider access, the Point will be well-served by vital transportation infrastructure, including a future high-capacity transit extension and commuter rail, and all aspects of the site and its future operations have been designed to complement transit; make walking and biking safe, comfortable, and convenient; and limit the need for driving a car.

Smart mobility for a better-connected future

Despite these advantages, many areas around the site already experience congested roads and freeways. Recognizing this, state leaders hired TYLin to develop a Smart Mobility Study for the Point. The study includes recommendations for a dedicated transit circulator, an extensive, high-quality active transportation and micro-mobility network, electric car share, mobility hubs, and a mobility as a service (MaaS) program and app.

These innovative approaches to managing mobility are designed to make transit networks better integrated and easy to access for citizens, as well as minimize the impact of rush hours and encourage more environmentally friendly transit options.

When operational, the Point will advance a sustainable, inclusive model of urban design in a desert suburb. While the site is very much unique, the ideas can be replicated in other cities and inspire developers who are considering building multimodal communities or retrofitting neighborhoods to improve the quality of life for residents and protect the environment.