As City Creek Center celebrates its one year anniversary, the nearby Gateway Mall is standing its ground and making new investments.
The Gateway has lost about a dozen stores to City Creek Center. But The Gateway’s General Manager Scott Bennett says the outdoor center for shopping, dining, and entertainment is doing just fine.
“We lost some tenants as we expected, but I think that’s part of a growing vibrant downtown,” Bennett said, “I think it’s a positive for all of downtown. Over the last 12 months, we’ve opened up nine new retailers, and we’ve had two retailers who have expanded their space. We’ve also recently announced some renovations that we’re going to be doing on the project.”
A two million dollar investment aims to enhance The Gateway’s ambience and image as a community gathering spot – with more seating areas, fire pits, upgraded fountains, renovated parking facilities, and a new paint job for the grand hall in the railroad depot. Bennett says these upgrades support what The Gateway already has to offer.
“With the Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway, the Megaplex Theater, there’s a lot to bring people down, we’re just trying to create a great atmosphere for them to be here,” said Bennett.
And while there are still some empty storefronts, one of them has been occupied by a new gallery showing contemporary local art.