The Salt Lake City Council approves the rezoning of a potential future MLB stadium

SALT LAKE CITY — Despite not having a team yet, Salt Lake City is one step closer to welcoming Major League Baseball to the city.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to rezone a portion of the west side north of the Utah State Fairpark in an area called the “Power District.” The rezoning will allow for residential and mixed-use development, with the overall understanding that the Larry H. Miller Group can develop the 95-acre site into an MLB stadium and other new area amenities.

Renderings were released earlier this year showing plans for green space, trails, a beautified Jordan River area, housing, local restaurants and retail in an area that will be walkable, bikeable and connected to public transit.

SLC Councilwoman Victoria Petro spoke to FOX 13 News before Tuesday night’s meeting.

“The bigger vision is for it to be a mixed-use residential development,” she said. “There will be some commercial spaces and bars, (and) we will activate the river in a way that it has never been activated before. There is a possibility that we will also have some jobs with significant economic availability and some flexible space.”

“I think this represents a historic opportunity for these residents,” added Councilman Chris Wharton, “and I hope that we can live up to it, and I think we can do that with this agreement that we have .”

The Larry H. Miller Group thanked the Council for its vote.

“It is a historic investment in west Salt Lake City and will create a place where Utah’s families can gather and thrive,” their statement read in part. “We look forward to continuing to work with our community, city and state partners to ensure we develop a connection point for families, culture, business and recreation.”