Provo City Council Approves Mall Redevelopment Plan
The Provo Towne Centre project includes new housing units while requiring residents of Shady Acres to relocate.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Should cities prioritize new residential and commercial development over existing low-income housing?
The Provo City Council voted 5-1 to approve a major redevelopment of the Provo Towne Centre mall. The plan will replace part of the site with 1,300 apartments and 77 townhomes while displacing residents of the nearby Shady Acres mobile home park.
Why it matters
City officials approved the project to prevent the mall area from falling into blight while expanding local retail and restaurant options. The development includes requirements for affordable housing to help balance the new residential expansion.
The redevelopment agreement grants Shady Acres households 18 months to vacate with $10,000 in relocation assistance per household. Project requirements mandate that 15% of the total housing units be reserved for households earning 80% or less of the area median income.
The players
Provo City Council
This is the legislative body for the city of Provo responsible for managing municipal growth and development policies.
Shady Acres
This is a mobile home park located in the vicinity of the redevelopment site.
Provo Towne Centre
This is a regional shopping mall serving the Provo area.
The details
The project designates the land as a Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone to leverage tax revenue for development costs. The site plan incorporates a 2-acre outdoor gathering space along with raised pedestrian crossings, a drop-off zone, and a dedicated bike lane, while existing anchors like Target, JCPenney, and Cinemark will remain.
Timeline
The Provo City Council voted to approve the project on October 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader societal move toward mixed-use urban planning that prioritizes high-density housing over traditional suburban retail sprawl. The city is shifting away from isolated commercial zones to create integrated living and transit-oriented neighborhoods.
Residents of Shady Acres must plan for relocation within the next 18 months using the provided $10,000 assistance package. Future housing seekers can look forward to 1,300 new apartments and 77 townhomes, with specific units reserved for middle- and lower-income earners.
The takeaway
This redevelopment marks a significant transformation for the Provo area as it moves toward higher-density residential spaces. Residents should stay informed about the construction schedule to understand how traffic and local accessibility may change during the development phase.
Further reading
For additional context on local residential developments, visit Provo Apartments.
Live Poll
Should cities prioritize new residential and commercial development over existing low-income housing?
