The construction of the new 60,000 square foot addition to Trolley Square is complete. Now, we just need to wait while Whole Foods completes the interior build out and stocks the new store with a vast selection of organic groceries in what will be one of their largest stores in Utah.
Some have complained that the new building hides the historic portion of the square and more importantly, changes the character of the center. The new building definitely feels foreboding; cutting off what was once an open air center into a more compacted feeling space. However, the larger parking garage may help with the upcoming holiday season when parking at Trolley Square has always been an issue.
One former Trolley Square tenant said the redevelopment may finally do something for the struggling merchants at the center of the mall. Though Trolley Square has some of the finest stores in Utah its mall interior fails to bring customers inside, rather they skirt around the exterior of Trolley Square to shop at Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware.
The build out and the economic recession impacted a number of longtime Trolley Square Merchants who either closed permanently or relocated away from the mall. Many merchants were displaced during construction, some moving a couple times within the mall before settling in their new hopefully permanent space. Basket Loft, Wild Earth Images and Haroons have all vacated Trolley Square Mall in the past three years of construction.
While City Creek Centers massive project is nearing completion downtown, Trolley Square is primed to get a jump on filling its newly renovated and created space throughout the mall. Trolley Square held a Grand Re-Opening last weekend where customers were invited to come see the new mall.
It’s interesting to note that Trolley Square does not have a traditional food court; rather there are a selection of eating establishments in and around the complex. Trolley Wing Company, formerly inside an old trolley car under the historic trolley square water tower has relocated to the upper level of the mall interior, sans trolley car. Trolley Square has also done away with it’s last theater, creating a large open space for an as of yet undisclosed future tenant.
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Trolley Square is located at the intersection of 500 South and 700 East in Salt Lake City and is open 7 days a week.
