Plans for 4th of July...

The Sugar House Merchants Association presents the annual Sugar House Arts Festival on Friday, July 4, from 9 am to dusk. Boasting Salt Lake City's premier artists and craftpeople, the festival will include unique art, live music and delicious food. Bring the kids to enjoy the children's area, featuring arts, crafts and entertainment.

Teh bandstand will be set at Highland Drive and 2100 South.

Schedule of performing artists:

10 am -Vivian's Way
11 am -Arabian Eyes Dance
12 pm -The School of Rock
2 pm - Sterling Sky
3 pm - Thalia Condo
4 pm - Mark Chaney
5 pm - Lord Kalvert

The Sugar House Park events will start at 5 pm with music, vendors and activities for kids. The Salt Lake Symphonic Winds, conducted by Thomas Rhorer, will perform at 8:30 om, followed by fireworks at 10 pm

Visit www.sugarhouselife.com for updated info

Sugar House developement on 1100 Each and 2100 South (2nd part)

Removing building would enhance the area in that section. It would also open up more space for parking that would be available for the use by employees and patrons of the businesses in that area.

Either way, Mecham has set a July 1 deadline for the owners of the Rockwood building to reach a decision and either construct a new wall or prepare the building for demolition.

Mecham is in regurlar contact with Rockwood Investments Associates while they work out an agreement.

"He's keeping us in the loop through the whole process", said Jim JOhnson of the Rockwood Investment Associates. "Mecham will bring in an engineers to help to determine the best way to remove the rest of the Blue Boutique building and still keep our building intact. Right now we're waiting to see what engineer says."

While he works on the common wall issue, Mecham will work on landscaping the area. He is also preparing to meet with the Salt Lake Ciy Planning COmmission to propose his developement plans. This meeeting could happen this summer.

Despite the snags and hurdles that have occurred with the project so far, Mecham reminas positive about his plans and the project. He plans to rect a six-story condo tower that will include residential, office space and retail stores. This developement project was an unpopular move among some of the tenants in the Sugar House Business district. Still, Mecham maintains that this project will enhance and revitalize the charm of the Sugar House business disctrict.

"I'm not doing this as another developer. I have an emotional attachment to Sugar House because my family has been here for a long time," he said. "I love Sugar House, and I believe this will be a great addition to the area."

Written by David Jensen in Sugar House Journal

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

What Supermakets do not want you to know? - And, how does it relate to Real Estate?

There is a perception that Wholes Foods is more expensive than Albertson's, for instance. However, both of them charge the same for bananas, exact same or carton of cherries or grape tomatoes. Admittedly, Albertson's prices usually lower on yellow onion, Irish butter, and Cheerios, but Whole Foods charge less for Tropicana Premium Orange Juice and mineral water. The simple truth is that if you purchase the same basket as you usually do from Albertson's in Whole Foods, and it will cost you almost the same with few dollar difference.

Analysis from Undercover Economist, by Tim Hartford

But, the secret of customers' perception is Whole Foods is more fun to shop in and full of more expensive varieties.

When push comes to shove though, it is still supermarket and you wander around filling your own cart just as in Albertsons.

So, Whole Foods is not expensive in the sense that it charges more for the same goods. It is expensive because of where its price-targeting policies are focused: prices for the basics can be competitive, but the selection in Whole Foods is aimed at customers with a different view of what "basics" are.

For instance, for typical Whole Foods customer, Tropicana Premium Orange Juice and mineral water are basics, but in Albertsons, people often consider tap water and concentrated orange juice.

That is exactly why a basket of goods from Whole Foods can cost so much more than a basket of goods from Albertsons.

So, my advice: if you want a bargain, don't try to find a cheap store. Try to shop cheaply.

How does it relate to Real Estate?

Often, my clients, giving me their price range for finding the house, tell me: "I probably will never find anything in this price range in Sugar House, or generally on a East Side of SLC area. I probably should go to West Valley to find what I want."

The truth is it will certainly be easier to find what my client wants in West Valley. But, it is not impossible still to find what you want in Sugar House. If you look for a bargain or for precisely the price you can afford, start with your desirable place first, and look through all these places, chances are you will find what you want...you just need to react quicker...

In comparison, if you know you need only bananas, and if you know you can get bananas cheaper in Whole Foods then Albertsons, where would you shop?

I would shop in Whole Foods or Sugar House(on condition that I am getting only what I need and can afford, not destructing my attention on other choices I cannot afford),I will always have chance to go to Albertsons or West Valley. Please keep in mind that I am not prefer one store or neighborhood verse another. I am only trying to suggest that if you are for bargain shopping, start with place you think you cannot afford, and you might be pleasantly surprises.

Styles of Properties: Rambler

Almost all of the ramblers in Sugar House Utah were built after World War II. Most were built from the mid-1950s to the 1970s. What they lack in charm they make up for in space. Ceilings are high, rooms are big, and many basements are walkout. If you need a house above 3,000 square feet with five or more bedrooms and a two-car garage, you'll want to look at a rambler. Many St. Marys and Oak Hills residents are original owners of their homes. They are dated, and sell for about $150 per square foot. As this area turns over in the next few years and these homes are updated, watch out. These are big houses close to town, many with great city views. It could one day be the most desirable area in town.

Quirks: Built around 1960, most ramblers have plumbing and wiring that is not an inspection issue. Check the bar-tile roof in Oak Hills/St. Marys, however. If original, they might be due for a replacement.

Styles of Properties: Cottage

These post-World War II boxes were built by the thousands above 1500 East in Salt Lake City and throughout Highland Park. They are the most affordable real estate in the Sugar House area, if only because of their size. They are tiny, averaging about
800 square feet per floor. Don't look for formal dining in these houses.
Some are so small they don't even have room for a kitchen table. Most
cottages have one-car garages.

all of these houses were built with shake roofs, though most have asphalt shingle today. Have your inspector check beneath those shingles. If they were laid atop
the shake, it will drastically cut the shingle's life. That is especially true
if vents were not installed during re-roofing. Shake roofs breath. But
once covered by asphalt shingles, attics heat up fast. The shingles will
buckle and curl in a few years.

Styles of Properties: Tudor

The tudor is the most popular home style in the Sugar House area. These homes command more dollars per square foot than any other. Most were built between 1920 and 1940, though the style has become popular for new construction. The interiors are dominated by tile fireplaces, often flanked by built-in bookcases.
Accents include gumwood or mahogany trim, coved ceilings, leaded-glass and arched doorways.

Quirks: Basement ceilings in tudors are lower than in modern homes, but they are taller than bungalows. That's because tudor basements were built for human habitation instead of coal storage. Many tudors have two staircases to the basement, one off the front door and another off the kitchen in the back. Larger tudors also have an upstairs. You might find knob and tube wiring in these older homes, but upgrades are simple.

Styles of Properties: Classic Bungalow

Working around SLC valley, people are often ask me the definition of property styles. Salt Lake City Utah properties are some of the most diverse in the country, and Sugar House is home to some of the finest old homes.

I would like to review some styles today, and sugeest some things you should be focus on:

Classic Bungalow: Bungalows are ubiquitous in Sugar House. Unpainted, the woodwork is a real attraction.

Most of these handsome Sugar House Utah homes were built between 1910 and 1930. They are defined by their big, shaded front porches. The focal point of the inside is the tile fireplace with an ornate metal grate. Hardwood floors, coved ceilings and arched doorways are common. Gumwood trim is a beautiful accent to the plaster walls,
although all too often this wood has been painted over.

Many Sugarhouse Utah bungalows were built on shallow foundations. Particularly on the valley floor, some have settled to either side. They are noticeably crooked.
Not to worry. Most settled 80 years ago and are as sound as any home built today. Basement ceilings are usually low and a dirt-filled concrete shelf runs around the perimeter, taking up hundreds of feet of otherwise useful space. Some people
dig these basements out to create another level of quality living space.

Quirks:

Unless a bungalow has been updated, it will have knob and tube wiring whose appearance is so archaic that it can freak out an uninitiated buyer. Don't despair. This is quality wiring. Old fuse boxes can be replaced inexpensively. Open junctions can be enclosed. This wiring has worked for a hundred years. It will work for a hundred more. Check the water pressure. Old iron Utah pipes can fill with deposits, restricting the flow. According to "Bungalow Nation," a book by Diane Maddex and Alexander Vertifkoof, bungalows are the most common house style in America. "At
the start of the twentieth century," the pair write, "the bungalow took America by storm. These small houses . . . were built throughout the country and helped fulfill many Americans' wish for a single-family home, equipped with all the latest conveniences and set in a garden, however tiny.

A bungalow allowed people of modest means to achieve something they had long sought:
respectability. Central to its popularity was the idea that simplicity and a sense of style could harmonize in an affordable home. One type of house that would fit many tastes, pocketbooks and climates, the bungalow for the first time extended democracy to the nation's architecture. . . .

What accounts for the bungalow's popularity? Marketing certainly played an important role. Bungalows were displayed prominently in the pages of popular magazines such as The Ladies Home Journal, and influential editors extolled the large windows, airy porches, built-in furnishings, open floor plans, and other features that made bungalows convenient and healthful."

Bungalow fans might want to check out American Bungalow Magazine's website. Sugarhouse Utah real estate is epitomized by the bungalow. http://www.ambungalow.com/