History struggles to remain authentic. It is easy to obliterate or dilute the past by making significant changes, such as creating new structures which will tower over small scale buildings in a protected national historic district.
Here are my experiences as director of Park City Museum and a 45-year resident of Old Town:
Old Town visitors:
The proposed Old Town plan to improve the visitor experience is flawed because:
- Visitors come here to see an authentic and unique historic place.
- Visitors love going in and out of small businesses on Main Street. (Note the failure of lower Main Street due to no streetscape businesses, stairs to upper shops, and a canyon of tall buildings).
- Box stores and malls are commonplace to most modern cities and not as interesting as unique local shops.
- Visitors love the way the houses climb up both sides of the canyon with the mountains above. Keep views open.
- Visitors enjoy learning about the history of town by studying the facades of historic buildings and reading plaques which describe their history. Walking tours are popular. Our incredible history museum is a common stop.
Old Town living:
The proposed Old Town plan will further erode residential living because:
- The community gathering places will be exchanged for visitor amenities; i.e., the Post Office, and the transit center will be farther away from central Main Street.
- Construction disruptions will be a factor for many years, creating increased dust, pollution and traffic closures. Sounds carry easily up the canyon walls.
- Mine waste may need to be moved for foundations and underground parking.
- Superimposing tall buildings will add nothing for residential services.
- In fact, what do residents gain from this proposal?
Two problems affecting the viability of Main Street businesses (and national-wide issues) cannot be cured by this plan:
- One is the rise in online shopping;
- The other is skyrocketing rents.
I would respectfully suggest that Council prioritize their projects by starting with the barren land in “Arts and Culture” district, and set aside the flawed Old Town plan.
Marianne Cone
Park City