Kensington Seeks Park City Variance

Ed Lewis of Kensington Investment Company, fresh off erecting Astra Tower in Salt Lake City, now seeks a height exception for the Park Meadows Plaza redevelopment. The proposal, replacing Tupelo and sundry local businesses, aims for 97 market-rate units and a paltry 20 affordable ones, all supported by subterranean parking. Frankly, the exercise feels less like urban planning and more like maximizing IRR. The requested variance, a full 15 feet beyond established limits, strains credulity, even for Park City. Kensington already holds Bellemarc and Bellaire on Sidewinder Drive; a pattern emerges. The staff report notes a compliant alternative exists, though admittedly less advantageous to Lewis's bottom line. The reduction in setbacks, placing the building alarmingly close to neighboring properties, is equally concerning. The visual impact, while debatable, is demonstrably worsened by prioritizing unit count over sensible design. Aesthetically, the renderings suggest a predictable massing of steel and glass, devoid of any local character. Given the project's likely contribution to traffic congestion and the lack of compelling architectural merit, my recommendation is to Sue the HOA.