Fleet Block Open Space

From summer through fall of 2025, we worked with neighbors, community groups, family members of those depicted in the murals, and the larger community to understand the hopes and aspirations for the development of the site. 

Through both virtual and in-person surveying, meetings, and working groups, we heard from around 700 people.

We are pleased to share the below updates on that initial round of public engagement!

Project Principles

A set of project principles were created from key insights collected from survey results and conversations: 

The principles that will guide the site include, Fleet Block as: 

... a place for community: A space of belonging where every neighbor can experience connection, find support, and feel seen.

... a place to gather: A site for learning, remembrance, celebrations, and the quiet choreography of daily life.

... a place to rest: A landscape of cooling canopy, water, and gardens to support comfort, dignity, and climate resilience.

... a place for justice: A ground where the landscape and artwork reflect accountability, equity, and the city’s collective healing.

... a place of progress: A neighborhood anchor where programming helps the community grow together in fairness and dignity. 

Key Insights 

Here are some of the most noteworthy findings we learned:

1. Shade and Comfort are universal needs. Over 250 open responses prioritized trees, seating, and cooling water features. A greener, cooler, more natural space is seen as critical to comfort, resilience, and long-term success.

2. Gathering is the dominant use. Three-quarters of respondents envision Fleet Block as a civic commons for events, family life, and daily routines. 

3. Justice and Memory are important. The survey data aligns with justice, equity, and accountability as top art themes. 

4. Access and Belonging matter for daily life. Sixty-two percent of respondents said ADA improvements would increase their use; restrooms and lighting were repeatedly requested. 

5. Anti-Displacement concerns surfaced in Community Working Groups. While less present in survey data, working groups flagged affordability, local business support, and cultural continuity as critical. 

6. Keep It Programmed and Alive. Rotating displays, themed weeks, markets, concerts, and art showcases were frequently suggested. People want consistent activation that makes the site vibrant and ever-changing, giving them reasons to come back.

What's Next?

Our team is currently working to develop design concepts, using the above project principles and key insights as benchmarks.   

In coordination with the development of the Fleet Block Open Space, the Salt Lake City Arts Council’s Public Art Program, in collaboration with Salt Lake City Public Lands, the Mayor’s Office, and project stakeholders, is commissioning an artist or artist-led team to create a significant public artwork for the project. The commission will support an artwork that reflects values articulated through extensive community engagement, including justice, equity, belonging, and collective healing, and will be developed alongside the open space design to ensure an integrated and cohesive public environment. The selected artist or team will also help define a conceptual framework for future artworks by other community artists to be commissioned separately by Salt Lake City.

Artists and artist-led teams are invited to submit their qualifications by Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at 11:59 pm MT. Additional project details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions are available through the Call for Artists page. 

A second round of public engagement will begin soon. Jump to Phase 4 for details.