It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Draper Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Draper, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work here. We had excellent experiences with management, caregivers, and our clients. We are thankful for your patience with our schedules and experience. We have learned a lot from being here, and we hope that our experiences from being here can be for our future benefit. We’d recommend working at ABC to our friends because of the great experiences we’ve had her. Emily and Nolan”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good care of their clients and do such a good job at taking the time with each and every one of them. They go above and beyond for their clients. I’d definitely recommend them!”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from the start to help me find a sitter. I was in a position where I needed immediate help and they came through. His staff was caring and responsible. They helped me through a very difficult time.”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him so he didn’t fall”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much about not only our patients we help, but the compassionate hard working people that are behind it all. I'm so grateful to work with such a caring, kind and helpful company they really do treat you like family❤. Not only are they giving back each day to patients who need them they are kind and caring to their employees as well. I love working for this company!”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a blessing. I live 300 miles away from my elderly parents and cannot always travel, it’s comforting to know that my parents are in great hands and that I don’t have to worry about them. The staff is well trained and the management goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I think of them as angels in disguise!”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of my grandpa! They have been amazing to work with. It’s such a relief to find a company that has open communication and cares about their clients and the clients family, too!”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been very pleased with the attentive care they have given my husband. They have been flexible, accommodating, and gone the extra mile helping with my husband's needs. As an example, I was away for the day and I was called by the caregiver that my husband was not doing well. I came home and we decided to take him to the emergency room. The caregiver came with us and stayed at the hospital for hours. He was released with the medication he needed for his recovery and she helped bring him home and get him settled before she left. This was way into the night and passed her normal working hours. One of my requests before hiring on a Senior Service was that the caregivers enjoyed their job and enjoyed working with challenging patients. I use their service six days a week and every caregiver has been kind, compassionate, and hard working. I really have been pleased.”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best care. I have tried multiple different agencies in the area for help with my grandmother and none have been as attentive and helpful as ABC”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging parents, it’s so nice to have the staff here to step in and help with caring for them. They are able to set everything up so quickly and provide the care when we need it! We are so happy we found out about them!!”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to have found a company that will care for my loved ones in a way I would myself. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care for their clients and want to help them in the best way possible. We are so happy with the services they provide.”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any questions that I have. Thank you ABC!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I highly recommend them for in home senior care services!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Draper City Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Charleston Draper or visit Draper Historic Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Draper, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Draper, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Draper, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Crews from the Utah Department of Transportation found that a bridge over a Draper canal was under-reinforced, causing concerns over “structural deficiency.” (Photo: KUTV)DRAPER, Utah (KUTV) — Crews from the Utah Department of Transportation found that a bridge over a Draper canal was under-reinforced, causing concerns over “structural deficiency.”The road was closed as a safety precaution, causing a months-long detour for drivers.UDOT officials said crews were investigating the culvert over...
Crews from the Utah Department of Transportation found that a bridge over a Draper canal was under-reinforced, causing concerns over “structural deficiency.” (Photo: KUTV)
DRAPER, Utah (KUTV) — Crews from the Utah Department of Transportation found that a bridge over a Draper canal was under-reinforced, causing concerns over “structural deficiency.”
The road was closed as a safety precaution, causing a months-long detour for drivers.
UDOT officials said crews were investigating the culvert over Lone Peak Parkway between 13100 South and Redberry Road, where the Jordan and Salt lake City Canal passes underneath.
This canal plays a key role in the timeline of the repairs, they said.
Danielle Varela lives near the road closure. She said traffic has been diverted into her neighborhood, which has children and pets who play outside.
“When people get annoyed, they tend to make not as great of decisions. There might be some speed or recklessness,” Varela said. “I do worry for the kids in the neighborhood and my own children.”
She says she understands that closures happen, but the timeline to get the road fixed has her asking questions.
“I was really surprised to hear they won’t be able to work on it until October,” Varela said. “I was thinking it would be a few days. We were wondering why the road was even closed.”
Draper city engineer Scott Cooley said the problem was the bridge itself.
“There wasn’t enough load reinforcement put into the design,” he said.
He said there were complications due to the time of year.
“We would love to go fix it right now, but the canal is going to fill up with water,” Cooley said.
The bridge runs over an irrigation canal.
“The canal is completely controlled by the canal company, and they have very strict requirements,” Cooley said.
Cooley said the requirements are strict because many people rely on the water.
The City says they hired an engineering firm and contractor to construct the bridge.
“(It’s) just unfortunate that this is occurring, but we really are looking out for the public’s safety,” he said.
Cooley said there were already signs of load reinforcement impacts on the bridge. Crews found things like cracks and wear in the middle.
The line between “planning for growth” and “paying for growth” is about as fine as the tip of a pen in this state. By Matthew Givens | For The Salt Lake TribuneAs Utah’s incarcerated community makes way for “Utah’s Innovation Community” in Draper, and as the rise of remote work continues to permanently disrupt the market for office space across the country, I think it might be worth pumping the brakes a bit on the official vision for The Point.Where ...
By Matthew Givens | For The Salt Lake Tribune
As Utah’s incarcerated community makes way for “Utah’s Innovation Community” in Draper, and as the rise of remote work continues to permanently disrupt the market for office space across the country, I think it might be worth pumping the brakes a bit on the official vision for The Point.
Where the public very clearly wanted a large regional park and more for-sale housing, the State of Utah is taking the initiative to plan a new downtown district for Draper, complete with tens of thousands of parking spaces, that will compete with the established downtowns and office parks for the increasingly-rarefied workforces and wallets of tech companies.
The line between “planning for growth” and “paying for growth” is about as fine as the tip of a pen in this state. The subpar LCC gondola solution comes to mind here, too, where real transit solutions have quickly been discarded in favor of a tourist attraction. Spending a billion dollars moving the prison to the sensitive wetlands of the capital city has gone about as well as you’d expect when building on a swamp, with significant cost overruns and delays. But the mosquitos are happy with their new diet, at least.
Now, despite cities like Riverton not even having a single UTA bus stop, UDOT wants to spend at least half a billion dollars to build either a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or new TRAX line to connect the Lehi and Draper FrontRunner stations, exclusively serving “The Point,” where no one currently lives or works and which sits awkwardly across I-15 from the existing right-of-way.
Forget the long-promised TRAX Blue Line extension between Draper and Lehi, which requires no new land acquisition or bridges and would usefully connect the state’s two largest counties. No, instead we are going to get a new train between existing train stations to bring theoretical commuters from Lehi to their theoretical offices at The Point.
The initial renderings for The Point years ago showed a bustling downtown district, complete with tall buildings to rival downtown Salt Lake and potentially even a professional sports team. These plans have been scaled back in subsequent iterations, for whatever reason, but the intent seems to always have been to create a more sanitized, less interesting rival to SLC at the opposite end of the valley.
But if this new downtown is actually realized, complete with some kind of “iconic feature” to attract tourists, are Draper residents ready for the details and problems that come with big city life? I’ll just come out and say it: Will there be services and shelters for the homeless? Will there be bars at The Point? Will there even be bar licenses available for bars at The Point?
I just wish the state could take as much interest in supporting and connecting the “innovation” communities that already exist instead of throwing money at grand visions for green fields and gondolas.
Matthew Givens
Matthew Givens, PhD, lives in Murray, Utah and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah in 2017. Although not an urban planner by trade, he is actively involved with the new urbanist community in Salt Lake City.
The line between “planning for growth” and “paying for growth” is about as fine as the tip of a pen in this state. (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Renderings and a three-dimensional model are put on display as the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority gathers at the Utah Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, to consider adopting the plans for the first phase of development at The Point, the development at the old Utah State Prison site in Draper.As Utah’s incarcerated community mak...
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Renderings and a three-dimensional model are put on display as the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority gathers at the Utah Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, to consider adopting the plans for the first phase of development at The Point, the development at the old Utah State Prison site in Draper.
As Utah’s incarcerated community makes way for “Utah’s Innovation Community” in Draper, and as the rise of remote work continues to permanently disrupt the market for office space across the country, I think it might be worth pumping the brakes a bit on the official vision for The Point.
Where the public very clearly wanted a large regional park and more for-sale housing, the State of Utah is taking the initiative to plan a new downtown district for Draper, complete with tens of thousands of parking spaces, that will compete with the established downtowns and office parks for the increasingly-rarefied workforces and wallets of tech companies.
The line between “planning for growth” and “paying for growth” is about as fine as the tip of a pen in this state. The subpar LCC gondola solution comes to mind here, too, where real transit solutions have quickly been discarded in favor of a tourist attraction. Spending a billion dollars moving the prison to the sensitive wetlands of the capital city has gone about as well as you’d expect when building on a swamp, with significant cost overruns and delays. But the mosquitos are happy with their new diet, at least.
Now, despite cities like Riverton not even having a single UTA bus stop, UDOT wants to spend at least half a billion dollars to build either a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or new TRAX line to connect the Lehi and Draper FrontRunner stations, exclusively serving “The Point,” where no one currently lives or works and which sits awkwardly across I-15 from the existing right-of-way.
Forget the long-promised TRAX Blue Line extension between Draper and Lehi, which requires no new land acquisition or bridges and would usefully connect the state’s two largest counties. No, instead we are going to get a new train between existing train stations to bring theoretical commuters from Lehi to their theoretical offices at The Point.
The initial renderings for The Point years ago showed a bustling downtown district, complete with tall buildings to rival downtown Salt Lake and potentially even a professional sports team. These plans have been scaled back in subsequent iterations, for whatever reason, but the intent seems to always have been to create a more sanitized, less interesting rival to SLC at the opposite end of the valley.
But if this new downtown is actually realized, complete with some kind of “iconic feature” to attract tourists, are Draper residents ready for the details and problems that come with big city life? I’ll just come out and say it: Will there be services and shelters for the homeless? Will there be bars at The Point? Will there even be bar licenses available for bars at The Point?
I just wish the state could take as much interest in supporting and connecting the “innovation” communities that already exist instead of throwing money at grand visions for green fields and gondolas.
Matthew Givens, PhD, lives in Murray, Utah and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah in 2017. Although not an urban planner by trade, he is actively involved with the new urbanist community in Salt Lake City.
Maverik announced on Twitter that its first rebranded Kum & Go opened Jan. 16 in Draper, Utah.“Take a look inside our first fully rebranded store that just opened for business TODAY in Draper, UT!” the Tweet read. “We are excited to open another store to reach even more MavFans.”“To celebrate this Grand Opening, Adventure Club customers can grab exclusive deals ...
Maverik announced on Twitter that its first rebranded Kum & Go opened Jan. 16 in Draper, Utah.
“Take a look inside our first fully rebranded store that just opened for business TODAY in Draper, UT!” the Tweet read. “We are excited to open another store to reach even more MavFans.”
“To celebrate this Grand Opening, Adventure Club customers can grab exclusive deals on Snapple, Snickers, Celsius, F’REAL, Coca-Cola, BodyArmor and MORE!” Maverik added on Twitter.
The Draper location, which is south of Salt Lake City, opened in December 2022 and was the first of four Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go stores set to open in that area, Kum & Go announced at the time. It opened three more Utah stores in South Jordan, Murray and Herriman in 2023.
The rebranding comes months after family-run Maverik, based in Salt Lake City, closed on the venerable chain with roughly 400 stores. A half-dozen sources recently shared with CSP Daily News that the Kum & Go brand will disappear by 2025.
The Utah retailer famous for its Adventure’s First Stop theme and sporty exterior design decided to retire the Kum & Go brand after deep consideration and a comprehensive assessment of the two chains found the Maverik brand resonated more impactfully in its markets than Kum & Go did in the heart of its Midwestern terrain. There was also some concern about the inadvertent double entendre of the Kum & Go name, a former Maverik member shared with CSP.
Kum & Go was launched in 1963, four years after founders Bill Krause and his father in-law Tony Gentle entered the retail world.
In early 2023, Maverik and Kum & Go sat neck and neck in CSP’s Top 202 ranking of the largest chains. Maverik stood at No. 21 with 404 stores in 12 states, followed by Kum & Go at No. 22 with 397 in 11 states. (Casey’s General Stores, Ankeny, Iowa, is No. 3 and Kwik Trip, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is No. 11.)
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.
Maverik announced on Twitter that its first rebranded Kum & Go opened Jan. 16 in Draper, Utah.“Take a look inside our first fully rebranded store that just opened for business TODAY in Draper, UT!” the Tweet read. “We are excited to open another store to reach even more MavFans.”“To celebrate this Grand Opening, Adventure Club customers can grab exclusive deals ...
Maverik announced on Twitter that its first rebranded Kum & Go opened Jan. 16 in Draper, Utah.
“Take a look inside our first fully rebranded store that just opened for business TODAY in Draper, UT!” the Tweet read. “We are excited to open another store to reach even more MavFans.”
“To celebrate this Grand Opening, Adventure Club customers can grab exclusive deals on Snapple, Snickers, Celsius, F’REAL, Coca-Cola, BodyArmor and MORE!” Maverik added on Twitter.
The Draper location, which is south of Salt Lake City, opened in December 2022 and was the first of four Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go stores set to open in that area, Kum & Go announced at the time. It opened three more Utah stores in South Jordan, Murray and Herriman in 2023.
The rebranding comes months after family-run Maverik, based in Salt Lake City, closed on the venerable chain with roughly 400 stores. A half-dozen sources recently shared with CSP Daily News that the Kum & Go brand will disappear by 2025.
The Utah retailer famous for its Adventure’s First Stop theme and sporty exterior design decided to retire the Kum & Go brand after deep consideration and a comprehensive assessment of the two chains found the Maverik brand resonated more impactfully in its markets than Kum & Go did in the heart of its Midwestern terrain. There was also some concern about the inadvertent double entendre of the Kum & Go name, a former Maverik member shared with CSP.
Kum & Go was launched in 1963, four years after founders Bill Krause and his father in-law Tony Gentle entered the retail world.
In early 2023, Maverik and Kum & Go sat neck and neck in CSP’s Top 202 ranking of the largest chains. Maverik stood at No. 21 with 404 stores in 12 states, followed by Kum & Go at No. 22 with 397 in 11 states. (Casey’s General Stores, Ankeny, Iowa, is No. 3 and Kwik Trip, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is No. 11.)
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.
DRAPER, Utah — The former Utah State Prison is almost completely reduced to rubble. Crews knocked down the final guard tower Wednesday morning, marking the end of what housed male inmates for decades.Caleb Townes, senior project manager with Grant Mackay Demolition, told KSL NewsRadio all that’s left to take down is a slew of buildings that were once part of the women’s facility. He said they are working to have that demolished by Oct. 31.Crews began demolishing the old prison in November 2022. As of Wednesday...
DRAPER, Utah — The former Utah State Prison is almost completely reduced to rubble. Crews knocked down the final guard tower Wednesday morning, marking the end of what housed male inmates for decades.
Caleb Townes, senior project manager with Grant Mackay Demolition, told KSL NewsRadio all that’s left to take down is a slew of buildings that were once part of the women’s facility. He said they are working to have that demolished by Oct. 31.
Crews began demolishing the old prison in November 2022. As of Wednesday, Townes said they are 90% done.
All that will remain from the old prison is a chapel, currently standing alone among the field of dust and rubble. Officials said they plan to preserve the “Chapel by the Wayside,” which inmates built decades ago.
Inmates of the Utah State Correctional Facility now predominantly reside at the new facility off I-80 in far northwestern Salt Lake County.
With the final guard tower knocked to the ground, developers overseeing what’ll become The Point rejoiced, knowing they were one step closer to beginning their massive project.
The Point will bring affordable housing, entertainment, shopping and dining to the site of the old prison on a level Utah hasn’t seen before, according to Alan Matheson, executive director of The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority.
“We want this to represent the best of Utah,” Matheson said. “A place that meets the needs of not just the people who live here, but also the people who visit.”
Matheson, along with Draper City Mayor Troy Walker, said this future development could be less reliant on cars. The area will be one where people could more lean on public transit, walking and biking.
The project also plans to connect the Jordan River and Porter Rockwell Trails.
Matheson said they hope to start putting in roads, as well as water and other utility lines as part of Phase One of the project. They hope people can start seeing buildings go up in 2025.
When it comes to how long it’ll take to complete the whole project, Matheson said it’ll likely take decades.
“It is going to be the best quality…the most innovative and the best forward-thinking opportunity we can conceive,” Walker said.
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