September 24, 2007 Salt Lake Tribune

"Urban Renewal: Vision for Downtown St. George Nearly A Reality "
by Mark Havnes

ST. GEORGE - When the Mormon pioneers arrived to settle St. George in 1860, among the crops they planted were cotton, grapes and even mulberry trees to raise silkworms.

Those crops were not successful, but the efforts - including construction of elaborate irrigation systems - became part of this southwestern Utah city's heritage. That history is now being commemorated in a $7.5 million project along Main Street.

"The purpose of the project is economic development and revitalization of Main Street," said Marc Mortensen, assistant city manager who has been in charge of the 2 1/2 -year project.

He said the Town Square and Water Walk project, which runs for six blocks, has three distinct elements and is scheduled to be dedicated Oct. 15.

The project is being financed by Redevelopment Agency funds that come from area businesses and the Washington School District.

Mortensen said the designer, Bruce Jorgensen, a landscape architect with Salt Lake City-based GSBS, incorporated features from similar projects in other cities, including San Antonio, Texas, and Atlantic City, N.J.

Starting at 500 North, the Brooks' Nature Park includes the spring-fed Cox Pond, an amphitheater, wildlife preserve, observation decks and trails, including one connecting to the existing 65,000-acre Red Rock Nature Preserve.

"The pond has been in use for more than 100 years, " said Mortensen during a Thursday tour. "Some of the water from the pond is still used to irrigate some neighboring yards."

From there the water is piped to 250 N. Main St. where it bubbles out of a waterfall. There is also a plaza planned to feature bronze sculptures of historic events and people.

Included along the walk are a series of water troughs connected to a stepped wall meant to represent irrigation efforts throughout the city's history.

Irrigation "is the reason we are here," said Mortensen.

At St. George Boulevard, the water will be piped to the Town Square between Tabernacle Street and 100 South.

The square will be the biggest part of project. It consists of a "splash pad," (erupting streams of water) that represent the confluence of the Santa Clara and Virgin rivers.

Another interactive water feature will teach children about irrigation and feature cotton plants and grape vines. In addition, there is a parade ground and grassy festival area with amphitheater seating next to the new Washington County Library. Parking is planned along 200 West.

Anchoring the square is a 45-foot Heritage Tower, with an advanced audio system.

The square tower features four round, stained-glass windows that depict historic events and people of the area.

"The Town Square is where we'll have all our events like concerts and [New Year's Eve] First Night," said Mortensen. "We want to make it a destination place where residents will want to bring friends and family."

Mayor Dan McArthur said the project is critical to luring businesses to Main Street and keeping them there.

"We're also trying to keep historic features downtown, like bronze sculptures, that tell about events and people who contributed to settling St. George," said McArthur.

He said the Town Square feature blends seamlessly with the historic Tabernacle and old Woodward School that has been restored and is now used as school-district offices.

Maurine Harris, owner of The Art Cottage on Tabernacle Street, said the project across the road from her business will bring an old-town feeling to the area and increased activity, which will be good for her bottom line.

"Foot traffic should increase as it becomes a place people want to visit," she said. "That will undoubtedly help."

Tiffany Taylor, who owns the Historic Judds Store on Tabernacle Street, sees benefits in the project, but also has concerns.

"I just hope it does not become a hangout park for homeless," she said. "Loitering could be a problem, so I hope they can keep it nice for everybody."

Mortensen said completion by contractor Jacobson Construction Co. will be close to the deadline, but he is confident it will be met.

"If I have to be down here laying sod myself, I will," said Mortensen.