OGDEN, Utah - A redevelopment project is underway to transform the historic Ogden Union Stockyard into a thriving outdoor industry business park.
The stockyard has been vacant since 1971, after being the center of the stock industry in Weber County for more than 40 years.
The city’s redevelopment plan will restore the original exchange building, and create an outdoor friendly business park.
“Ogden’s been really successful in attracting the outdoor industry in the last number of years,” said Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell. “We thought it would be unique to have a campus like environment where they could all come together; They call them the creative collusions.”
Caldwell said the idea is to have like-minded businesses in the same area to help each other grow. Already, Ogden based Enve Composites is building a facility in the area. Enve Composites manufactures bicycle parts. Caldwell said they hope to attract similar outdoor recreation companies.
“We have a couple of other bike related industries that are looking to relocate out there right now,” Caldwell said. “There has been a tremendous amount of interest.”
Ogden City released a video on social media this week highlighting the project. In it, Caldwell and other members of the design team talk about how the area’s location near the Ogden and Weber rivers is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. See below for that video.
Neighboring businesses and residents are excited about the project. Ernesto Hernandez, owner of Robin Hood Motors Auto Repair, said he hopes it revitalizes the area.
“I think it’s great,” Hernandez said. “Its going to be a major improvement for west Ogden area. It’s been up and coming for this area to get redeveloped.”
Crews are currently working on phase one of the project, which is expected to be complete in summer 2016.
