A higher percentage of Utah s adult population is in the labor force than is true for the nation. This greater likelihood of working is true for both men and women. The Boyer Company s project includes two million square feet of retail, entertainment, office space, and housing on three large city blocks. While many fear this development could hurt other downtown areas, especially merchants on Main Street, a new development supports a different view. Salt Lake City s light rail began running on Main Street in early December.
Initial indications are that the system enjoys solid popularity with downtown workers.
The surprise has been the sharp increase in shoppers and sales reported by downtown merchants, presumably by those riding the rails. The extension of light rail to the University of Utah would also be a positive development. The Boyer Company will also be the principal developer of the Ogden Regional Business and Industrial Center on the grounds of the former Defense Depot Ogden, north of downtown Ogden. Speculation suggests that Boeing is considering the park for an aircraft-assembly operation. Attracting such a world-class initial tenant would greatly assist future marketing efforts.