Skyline Heist

Ed Lewis of Kensington Investment Company intends to erect a 49.5‑foot tower on 1500 Kearns Boulevard, a 35‑foot zone. The project replaces Tupelo, Park City Bike & Demo, and Create PC Local Artist Collective with 97 market‑rate units, 20 affordable units, 9,500 sq ft of retail, and 20,000 sq ft of outdoor deck, supported by an underground garage. The developer seeks a 15‑foot height exception, cutting setbacks from 25 ft to 10 ft adjacent to neighboring properties. The Planning Commission’s solar study shows modest shading, but the aesthetic clash with native sandstone facades is unmistakable. Return on investment hinges on the rental market’s tolerance for a copper‑clad tower that will dwarf the existing commercial plaza, while the ROI on community goodwill is negligible. If the HOA balks, a brief legal skirmish may ensue; if the Commission grants the exception, the mixed‑use block will pivot toward a high‑yield revenue stream. In either case, the recommendation is to purchase, as the upside outweighs the bitterness.