TAYLORSVILLE, Utah – A rundown shopping center in Taylorsville is showing signs of new life.
You may have noticed construction ramping up over the past couple of months at the old Family Center on 5600 South Redwood Road. City leaders say they’re bringing in a new, thriving look to the once booming area.
Brent Bowen has lived in Taylorsville for 30 years and is sad that shopping center has gone downhill.
“A lot of changes," he said. "A lot of the things are folding up.”
Bowen watched stores in the Family Center close down, leaving buildings vacant for years. But now, there are some changes. New owners began rebuilding and rebranding back in June. Four months later, the newly named Crossroads of Taylorsville is taking shape.
“They've torn down about 200,000 square-feet of vacant buildings to replace it with new buildings that are modern and updated,” said Wayne Harper, Economic Development Director for Taylorsville City.
Restaurants, retailers and a movie theater are moving in.
“The first ones that will open up here will be Café Rio, then Zhau Asian Cuisine and Metro PCS that will open up the last of this year,” Harper said.
There are improvements going on across the street at the newly named Legacy Plaza at 54th. Businesses like GNC and Five Guys open this month.
“It is an exciting, happening place to be,” Harper said.
“We've got to keep the businesses here, keep it going,” Bowen said.
The entire project is expected to wrap up in three years.
City leaders say changes are long overdue, considering the area was once a booming shopping destination.
“But then, the District, Jordan Landing, Fashion Place Mall, all came out of the ground, now we're re-emerging saying, 'Hey, we've got the new generation of stores and retail and it's coming and happening here,'” Harper said.
People in Taylorsville welcome the changes and are willing to wait a few more months for more entertainment, dining and shopping options.
