Sugar House developer remains optimistic despite hurdles and delay

It may not be visible from outer space, but demolition crews have left a sizable divot on the corner 1100 East and 2100 South after dismantling several of the building along the block.

The best-laid plans had the demolition and clean-up scheduled to be completed within 45 days after it began in January. However, the demolition was haled in February when crews discovered than one of the buildings set to come down was co joined to a neighboring buiding by a common wall.

Sugar House developer Craig Mechan has the legal right to remove the wall. However, that would collapse the neighboring building, which is owned by Rockwood Investments Associates. The owners are members of the Johnson family who originally owned the property.

Mecham has refused to tear out the wall until a solution can be reached that both property owners are satisfied with.

Construction crews advised hom not to remove any more of the former Blue Boutique building until the common wall issue can be resolved.

Since the discovery of the common wall and the stall in the demolition, Mecham has been under pressure to do something about the hole in the ground and the remaining part of the building set for demolition.

"I don't like the looks of the place either", he said. "I'm just as eager to get moving on this project as anyone."

Mecham has proposed a couple of solutions for the common wall issue. One idea is to construct a wall parallel to the common wall than would support the neighboring structure. Another possible solution would be to remove the neighboring building.

"The common wall situation is not within my control," he said. "I've been neighbors with the other property owners for a long time and I want to reach an amicable solution."

Mecham said removing the building would enhance the area in that section of the business district along 2100 South. It would allow for the construction of the pedestrians walk-way that would provide easier access to all of the businesses.

Continued tomorrow. Written by David Jensen in Sugar House Journal