University of Utah Divests: What the Sale of Two Downtown Student Apartment Buildings Means for Students and the Community

The University of Utah has decided to sell its Downtown Commons apartments in Salt Lake City. This move came after the board of trustees accepted an offer from a private company. These buildings, known as Downtown Commons I and II, were not popular among students due to their distance from campus. They often stood at 75% occupancy, while the university’s on-campus housing is currently at full capacity, with a long waiting list.

The two buildings could house about 60 students, but many preferred living closer to campus. Sean Grube, the university’s associate vice president for housing, pointed out that transportation was a significant issue for those living downtown. The university found that these buildings were becoming outdated, with one built in 1970 and the other in 1980.

In 2009, the university bought these buildings for around $2 million. Now, they’ve sold for $5 million, which could help fund new housing projects. However, the university has not confirmed how it plans to use the money. Danny Wall, a university real estate director, noted that moving away from these older buildings aligns better with current priorities focused on enhancing on-campus living.

University President Taylor Randall has a vision to increase on-campus housing capacity by 5,000 students by 2027. This means around a third of undergraduates could live in residence halls, creating a vibrant “college town” atmosphere. Currently, about 5,500 students reside in dorms, with several unique living communities, including honors and entrepreneurial groups.

The university is also expanding its housing options. For instance, a new dorm with 1,370 beds is being developed, set to open in fall 2026. They have also taken over some land previously owned by the military to build more dorms.

However, demand still outweighs supply. This past year, the university promised housing for freshmen, but many upperclassmen and graduate students faced a scramble to find spaces. The only remaining off-campus option for students is The Draw, which is leased from Westminster College. Rent there ranges from $6,000 to $7,000, but it is closer to campus than the Downtown Commons was.

In a recent meeting, student body president Alex Rose inquired whether the proceeds from the sale would support upcoming housing projects. The university’s real estate office could not confirm the specific plans for the funds.

In summary, while the University of Utah is making strides to improve student housing on campus, challenges remain. The shift away from the Downtown Commons could be a step forward in creating a more connected and fulfilling student experience. The ongoing expansion may help meet the growing demands of a dynamic student population.



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