“Change is inevitable.” Or so it’s been said. 

So, of course, things are changing and progressing in Murray. Here’s a quick debrief from Doug Hill, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, on a few upcoming changes.

Murray Power – With the goal of consuming cleaner energy, coal powered power plants are on the decline, worldwide. Murray Power is currently weighing options for transitioning more fully to natural gas, a cleaner source of power, via their existing relationship with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems. This is a proactive move to lessen Murray’s dependence on coal, as coal power will gradually be phased out. Currently, Murray Power is in several cooperative contracts and receives power from many sources including coal, solar, some natural gas, methane capture and hydro. The transition should not result in a change in billing or additional cost to residents. 

Public Works Upgrades – Murray City Public Works takes care of streets, water, storm water, sewer and garbage. All necessary, but at times underappreciated functions of city management and maintenance. Public Works is seeking a bond for $20 million to replace and upgrade their older buildings at their existing location, about 4600 South and 500 West. The upgrades will include office space and storage for equipment and service vehicles. After funding is secured, construction should commence within the year. 

Annexation – There is a small area between Millcreek, Holladay and Murray, “an island, you could say, of unincorporated land,” Hill said. Because of a law the state legislature passed in the last session, requiring that any remaining “islands” of unincorporated land in the county should automatically transfer to the adjacent city with the largest population by 2027 (in this case would be Millcreek), it set some residents, who identify as Murrayites, to petition for annexation into Murray rather than Millcreek. 

A public hearing by the city council will determine if the annexation moves forward. There are some benefits to Murray, like an increase in property tax and sales, as the area holds approximately 35 single-family homes and a bit of retail. There is some benefit to residents, as it is somewhat less expensive to live in Murray than Millcreek. Upon annexation, Murray will be responsible for street maintenance, police and fire protection. “The area has already proven to be good neighbors for Murray,” Hill added.

Construction projects nearing completion – “There are three nearly-complete construction projects that residents have been eagerly anticipating, and you’ll hear much about in early 2025: the Murray Mansion Museum, the Armory facility, and the Murray Theater,” Hill summarized. “So, get ready for great things because Murray has recently hired a marketing specialist to be sure these new amenities get the attention they deserve.” 

The new marketing specialist is Erica Brown and she comes to Murray after working in marketing at Thanksgiving Point for 18 years.

Murray Mansion Museum – Construction is wrapping up and the exhibits are being curated and labeled. The History Advisory Board and staff are currently working on opening day and ongoing programming, with the intent to have new events each month to encourage repeat visits to the museum. Opening day will be in the spring, the exact date to be determined, but residents can look forward to a variety of events to celebrate completion of the project.

Murray Armory – This historic building had once been used for the motor pool for the National Guard Armory. It is being converted into an events center and should be open for reservations by April. Right on Little Cottonwood Creek, near the arboretum, it will have an outdoor patio, built-in outdoor seating and a fire pit. Inside it will have seating for up to 300 people. 

“This is the nicest venue I’ve ever seen,” Brown said. “And I’ve seen a lot coming from Thanksgiving Point, but there are not a ton of historic venues in the state, and none have quite the aesthetic, the exposure of historic brick, and the array of thoughtful amenities as the Murray Armory.”  

Murray Theater – It has been a long time coming on this project, as renovation of the historic theater has encountered many structural and foundation issues along the way. According to Hill, it is at least a year behind schedule and over a million dollars over budget. Fortunately, the city collected more sales tax last year than anticipated which allowed them to draw from existing reserves for the overage. The theater is expected to open in April and programming ideas abound: live theater, movies, musical events, symposiums. “It seems like everyone I talk to has a childhood memory of coming to the Murray Theater, either for a movie or a musical performance,” Brown said. “This space will be awesome and is very important to Murray.”

Upcoming construction projects

Outdoor swimming pool – The Murray Park outdoor pool was remodeled in 1998, but for the past couple of years the pool has been leaking, and the source of the leak has been difficult to find or correct. Currently, the city is looking for funding for a new pool and a splash pad (which has been often requested by residents). It is hoped that the county will share in the expense of the project, which could be in the range of $10 million. 

Old City Hall property – A mixed-use development called Murray Towers is slated to break ground in early summer 2025. A phased project, the first phase will include a medical office building to take advantage of the location near the IHC hospital. Eventually, the site will also feature apartments, townhouses, abundant parking, restaurant space and a place-defining tower.

Block One – This property is east of City Hall in the historic core of Murray. The developer, Rockworth Companies, also developed the downtown Holladay Village Square, and Murray is hoping for something similarly quaint and historic. Construction will follow a form-based code, so ensure that the look and feel of new buildings and open spaces will be consistent throughout the block.

Pointe @53rd – Construction of owned and for-rent housing, restaurant and retail space is planned to start in early 2025. The Murray Journal profiled this development in an earlier edition. https://www.murrayjournal.com/2024/05/07/490897/what-s-the-best-use-for-the-old-best-buy-location- 

Old Galleria property – A mixed-use development with walkout apartments, townhomes and some retail is currently in the planning, zoning, permitting stage. More to come on this development.