Sugargrove Complex to Transform Historic Salt Lake Site
A new residential development will bring 325 housing units to the former Snelgrove Ice Cream factory site by 2027.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Commercial
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Lowe Property Group is set to begin construction in the summer of 2027 on a three-building residential complex called Sugargrove in Salt Lake City. The project will feature 325 apartment units on the 3.25-acre lot that has remained empty since 2021.
Why it matters
The development aims to revitalize a prominent vacant lot while preserving a piece of local history by integrating a 64-year-old landmark into the new design. It seeks to balance private residential growth with public-facing pedestrian space and commercial amenities.
The complex will include 510 parking stalls and 6,650 square feet of office space spread across buildings reaching up to five stories. The site is located at 850 E. 2100 South in Salt Lake City.
The players
Lowe Property Group
This real estate development firm is responsible for the design and planning of the new Sugargrove project.
Charles Snelgrove
He was the founder of the ice cream company that operated on the site starting in 1929.
The details
The plan includes incorporating the historic fiberglass Snelgrove Ice Cream cone sign into a public pedestrian promenade or near the street to honor the site's past. The structures will utilize a staggered design, stepping up to five stories to accommodate the new residential, office, and dining facilities.
Timeline
1929: Charles Snelgrove founded the ice cream company.
1991: The Snelgrove family sold the Sugar House plant to a distributor.
2021: The 3.25-acre lot became empty.
Early October 2026: The developer presented plans to the community council.
Summer 2027: Construction is expected to begin.
Culture Shift
The project aligns with the Sugar House redevelopment trend, which prioritizes dense residential and mixed-use spaces on former industrial sites. This shift reflects a broader move toward urban infill that balances modern housing needs with the preservation of local historical landmarks.
Residents in the area can expect significant construction activity starting in 2027 at the 850 E. 2100 South site. Once completed, the development will provide new dining and office space accessible to the neighborhood while integrating the historic ice cream sign.
The takeaway
The Sugargrove development highlights how historic signage and local heritage can be successfully integrated into modern, multi-story urban residential designs. Residents interested in local change should monitor future planning meetings to see how the site's final configuration evolves.
Further reading
For more information on similar projects, visit Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Salt Lake Tribune.
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