Ryan Smith Opened Survey for Salt Lake City District

Residents are being asked to provide input on shops and restaurants for the city's new entertainment project.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a brass architectural model of a city block and steel drafting tools, representing urban development planning. — Ryan Smith has opened an online public survey to gather resident input on the dining and retail offerings for Salt Lake City's proposed $1.8 billion entertainment district. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should residents have a direct say in the local businesses included in new city entertainment districts?

Ryan Smith has launched an online survey to collect public feedback regarding retail and dining preferences for the proposed downtown entertainment district. The project follows the state's approval of a $1.8 billion reinvestment zone to revitalize the area.

Why it matters

The survey aims to ensure the development reflects local preferences and builds a strong neighborhood vibe for the massive downtown transformation. This initiative represents a critical phase in finalizing the design for the area anchored by the Salt Palace land.

Smith Entertainment Group acquired 6.5 acres of Salt Palace land for $55.4 million to facilitate the development. The zone allows for structures as high as 600 feet and will feature a new 6,000-capacity indoor concert venue.

The players

Ryan Smith

He is the founder of Smith Entertainment Group and a key figure in the development of the Salt Lake City entertainment district.

Smith Entertainment Group

This organization is leading the development and investment efforts for the new downtown Salt Lake City entertainment zone.

The details

The project is funded in part by a 0.5% sales tax increase recently adopted by Salt Lake City. Construction is slated to begin next year, with the Salt Palace Convention Center scheduled to close for three years starting in the fall of 2027.

In 2024, a survey was launched to help name the new Utah NHL team.
The state approved the $1.8 billion reinvestment zone during 2025.
Ryan Smith launched the new entertainment district survey on October 7, 2026.
The land acquisition deal is expected to be finalized in 2027.
The Salt Palace Convention Center will close for three years beginning in fall 2027.

Market Landscape

This development aligns with the broader push to modernize downtown Salt Lake City through large-scale public-private partnerships. The project mirrors similar national trends where sports and entertainment facilities serve as the primary anchors for urban core revitalization.

Residents can directly influence the retail and dining environment of the future district by participating in the survey. The project will eventually reshape downtown access, including a planned three-year closure of the Salt Palace Convention Center.

The takeaway

The public feedback phase serves as a vital step in balancing corporate development plans with community needs for the city's future. Residents should stay informed on upcoming construction timelines as the downtown area prepares for significant structural changes.