In a closely watched and at times contentious meeting April 1, the Murray City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) voted to approve a development agreement with Rockworth Companies for the long-debated redevelopment of a portion of the city’s downtown known as Block One. The vote passed 4-1, with Board Member Pam Cotter casting the lone dissenting vote.

The agreement outlines plans for a mixed-use development at the southwest corner of 4800 South and State Street. The project, spearheaded by Rockworth Companies, will bring 150 residential units, approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial and office space, and three new buildings to the heart of Murray’s downtown. The development includes a combination of retail storefronts, restaurants and public green space, all centered around a new public plaza. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, following completion of feasibility studies and finalization of ancillary agreements.

Murray City’s RDA focuses on revitalizing underutilized or blighted areas to promote economic development, community improvement and urban renewal. Governed by the Murray City Council, Mayor, and city planning director, which serves as its board of directors, it has authority over the city’s redevelopment project areas.

Public comments during the meeting revealed a community divided, with some residents voicing deep concern over transparency and the scale of residential components, while others applauded the city’s efforts to rejuvenate a long-neglected part of town.

One resident, Janice Strobell, questioned the city’s financial clarity and past promises regarding public property. “Are we willing to demolish a three-story classic revival building—the Harker—and replace it with only a two-story building that is just trying to look historic?” she asked. “At the Edlen (public consensus group) open house when Brett Hales was a city council member, he directly told me that no way was the city going to give away prime downtown property to a developer…. What has changed?”

Strobell and others pressed for details on the absence of purchase prices for city-owned property and raised concerns about the cost of relocating underground gas lines and building subterranean parking.

“The west side of State Street, our historic downtown, is an embarrassment. The only purpose it serves is to notify people that are traveling south on State Street that they have entered Murray City because it looks like hell,” Former City Councilman and Community and Economic Development Director Phil Markham said. “Contrary to being a secret deal, there has been more discussion, more information gathering on this project than I think almost any project the city has undertaken.”

The city and RDA are contributing a combination of land and financial resources to make the project viable. The RDA will provide 2.34 acres of land, recently appraised at $3.69 million, and commit $3 million toward the underground parking structure, which will also include 32 dedicated stalls for city use. An additional $1.5 million has been earmarked—but not guaranteed—for gas line relocation, contingent upon whether utility company Enbridge chooses to conduct the work themselves.

Rockworth Companies, for their part, will contribute an estimated $63 million in capital to construct three buildings comprising 150 residential units, a mix of restaurants and commercial storefronts, and integrated public and private parking. Chad Wilkinson, director of Murray's Community and Economic Development Department, emphasized that the density of the development was intentionally reduced in response to community feedback. “The developer has agreed to build at lower residential densities and building heights than are allowed by code,” he said.

In addition, the developer has agreed to follow the city’s soon-to-be-adopted form-based code, which prioritizes aesthetics and walkability. The agreement includes a 120-day feasibility period during which Rockworth may withdraw from the project if significant environmental or legal encumbrances are discovered.

A key piece of the redevelopment plan involves the DAR Enterprises building (4836 S. State), a historic structure currently privately owned, situated within the Block One footprint. Rockworth has entered into a private purchase agreement for the property, which the city encouraged as necessary to complete the development footprint.

If Rockworth terminates the agreement during the feasibility phase due to unforeseen complications, the RDA is obligated to reimburse the developer at cost for their acquisition of the DAR building. This provision proved to be one of the more contentious elements of the meeting.

“I have a hard time thinking that the city is on the hook to reimburse Rockworth,” said Cotter, who repeatedly expressed concern over the financial risk to the city. She also criticized the timing of document distribution. “I just felt like my hands are being tied to agree with this when I haven't had time to read all the things that we were given at 4:48 [p.m.] last night.”

As with many redevelopment initiatives, the community is not united. Longtime resident Andrea Rich expressed enthusiasm, comparing the vision to neighboring cities. “I go to Sugar House, I go to Millcreek Commons…. I’d rather spend [my money] here,” she said. “I’d love to be able to bike downtown with my 6-year-old.”

Business owner Susan Wright, whose Ballet Centre sits across from the proposed site, supported the plan as well. “I’m kind of tired of homeless people out there ranting and raving while my little ballet kids are going into my school,” she said. “We already have the audience—you just need to put on the show.”

On the other hand, Leanne Parker Reed cautioned against being swayed by visual renderings alone. “Let’s just make sure we’re getting what the citizens have asked for and not just what the pictures show,” she said.

The inclusion of residential units remained a lightning rod, despite Wilkinson’s assertion that “thriving downtowns have residential components.” He explained that residential presence ensures a safer, more active environment and brings a natural customer base to support local businesses.

“Without people living downtown, it becomes a ghost town at night,” Wilkinson said. “This project helps make downtown Murray a place, not just a pass-through.”

While the RDA board only voted on the central development agreement—what officials called the “backbone”—three related agreements and a fourth still in preparation will return to the board for review and approval. These documents include specific terms on property transfer, parking and city contributions.

The city council, immediately following the RDA meeting, voted to approve the Block One plans, with Cotter again being the lone dissension. λ