Park City, developers invite comment at forum for potential STAR bonds district

Do you have thoughts about what should or shouldn’t go in a potential STAR bonds district north of the former Echo Hills Golf Course in Park City?

The city and a development group called Champtown Partnership want to hear from you about the potential sales tax and revenue bonds district at a 7 p.m. forum Tuesday at the Park City administration building at 1941 E. 61st St. North in Park City.

“We’re there with open ears to hear any positives, negatives, so we can go to the drawing board and put together what we believe is a great plan for Park City,” said Matt Baty, one of six Champtown members.

The group already has been working on plans for an almost $500 million tourist destination for more than a year and a half.

Baty said they’ve “put together a model that we think is going to be a regional and national draw.”

The central piece of the district is a potential aquarium.

“We’re in conversations with several operators about their potential interest,” Baty said.

There likely would be other entertainment venues, including a museum, and two multipurpose facilities as well. Residential is a possibility as well along with hotels, restaurants and retail.

Park City administrator Sean Fox called it all “pretty amazing.”

He said he’s heard nothing but positive comments about the proposed district from residents so far.

The roughly 160-acre property is bounded by 53rd Street North on the south end, 61st Street North on the north end, I-135 on the east side and Chisholm Creek on the west.

Fox and Baty caution that it’s a long process to create a STAR bonds district.

“We’re at stage one, really outlining the district,” Baty said.

Lange Real Estate brought the idea to Park City along with Champtown.

In addition to Baty and Lange Real Estate managing partner Jeff Lange, the partnership includes Ryan Mills, Lange’s son-in-law and a developer for Lange Real Estate; Tymber Lee, a commercial broker who also leads the operating group that runs the Wichita Sports Forum and Stryker Sports Complex; Andy Frieze, who owns Aegis Group, an insurance brokerage, and has a background in raising capital for various projects; and Sean Crawford, a young entrepreneur and private developer.

“We put together a very solid group with extensive background,” Baty said. “We have the wherewithal, and we have the financial backing to get this across the finish line.”

They’re also interested in bringing baseball and softball to Park city, but that won’t be part of the potential STAR bonds district. There are other areas of potential development outside of the district as well.

Baty said he has nothing but glowing remarks for what he called the forward-thinking Park City’s administration and Council.

“They’re hungry for Park City to continue to grow and to continue to prosper.”

This story was originally published February 13, 2023 at 2:16 PM.