Summit County eyes 1,000-unit housing development in Dakota Pacific partnership

The land for the Dakota Pacific development project sits to the west and south of the Skullcandy building. Photo: Dakota Pacific

PARK CITY, Utah – After months of closed-door discussions, Summit County and Dakota Pacific Real Estate are exploring a new plan to build between 915 and 1,000 units near the Park City Tech Center, a significant increase from the 500 units county officials were initially willing to approve earlier this year.

The latest proposal: The latest proposal includes 750 units from the developer—500 market-rate and 250 affordable housing units—plus 165 county-owned homes. The affordable units would mostly target households earning 60% of the area’s median income.

Dakota Pacific’s latest proposal clusters most housing away from S.R. 224, focusing development at the end of Tech Center Drive. Area A would feature three- to four-story, high-density buildings, while Area B would have two- to three-story townhomes designed to create a neighborhood feel.

Dakota Pacific plans to replace the existing Richins Building with a pedestrian plaza, featuring Olympic view areas and an amphitheater surrounded by public green spaces. While Summit County would own the land, Dakota Pacific may contribute to the development costs.

The public-private partnership zone may also include a pedestrian footbridge, gondola connection, underground parking, commercial spaces, a revamped civic center, and a new transit facility.

The project in context: Earlier this year, the county drew a hard line on a maximum allowance of 500 housing units, which lead to recent private discussions between the two entities. During this time, the county made a swift announcement that they would purchase the Skullcandy building. In addition to county officials citing the fact that they are outgrowing the Richin’s Building, the Skullcandy property is strategically placed amid the proposed development. Purchasing the property could be seen as a smart strategic move on the county’s part insofar as it also includes a right of way to build a road that could access Dakota Pacific’s proposed housing off the roundabout near the property.

The project is part of a public-private partnership aimed at addressing the area’s housing needs while incorporating community benefits, like open spaces and public amenities. A $39 million master plan was unveiled last week, featuring mixed-use development with pedestrian-friendly spaces and an emphasis on neighborhood connectivity.

What’s next: Discussions on the proposal, including the total unit count, will continue weekly. Summit County aims to reach a final decision on the project by the end of the year.