Meeting with MCO Properties and Swaback Partners
October 14, 2011
We are all very interested in the future of Suncrest and it sounds as if we’d be in good hands with MCO Properties and Swaback Partners. Both companies presented their proposals for the future of Suncrest, stating the following:
Jeremy Hall of MCO Properties gave us some background on the history of MCO…in business since the 60’s and evolved by the mid-70’s, paying attention to the environment and natural topography. They specialize in hillside development and were not surprised to hear of the issues surrounding Suncrest as they collaborated with Layne Long of Draper City. There’s simply too much density. They found Suncrest four years ago prior to bankruptcy and Zions taking it over. They recognized how special the land is and all it has to offer (Draper has some of the best mountain biking trails, road cycling, equestrian center), thus, their diligent studies of Suncrest and surrounding areas. MCO Properties, along with Swaback Partners, wants to make a unique plan for Draper, understanding the history of Draper and the simplicity of the natural beauty. We are about a theme/brand that echoes the concept of Draper City, embracing the natural beauty and preserving the natural fauna.
Vernon Swaback of Swaback Partners informed us of their involvement with Promontory and Glenwilde, maintaining relationships to vistas and the existing wildlife corridor. Mr. Swaback quoted Frank Lloyd Wright, “Invest wisely in beauty – it will serve you all the days of your life.” He has always believed in the truth of that quote and aims to reflect such through their work. We then heard from Jeffrey Denzak (I was not able to verify his name), but, he, too, is with Swaback Partners and finished the meeting with the following:
As a partner at Swaback, it’s always been clear that the company is very strategic to not become too big, as we are very concerned about quality and maintaining senior level involvement. I was captivated by Mr. Swaback’s work and dedication and was drawn to his firm. We have as part of our team architects, landscape architects, planners, urban/interior/graphic designers. We understand that it’s not about one big idea, it’s about doing 1,000 things really well over time, being sensitive with the land. We are a legacy developer, committed long term and interested in raising the bar. It is important to us to have re-vegetation and restoration in place to preserve the topography and to avoid slope failure and erosion.
A model for development must exist to be sustainable. We define a road, identify a lot and determine where a development envelope exists. We’re proposing an area of development with ¾ acre to 5 acre lots, limiting disturbance to the land. The majority of the land on the bigger lots would become part of an easement so as to maintain the wildlife corridor and create minimal disturbance to the land. He noted that our current design guidelines are actually fairly good; they just haven’t been adhered to. We have spent a lot of time studying the land and understand that we must have a sensitive strategy of a structure that can be built on any given lot based on its slope (0-10%, 10-20%, etc.) We think an authentic theme for the architecture of this community (agrarian/mining) in keeping with Draper’s history will preserve the quality and character of the community. Functionality and safety are also important. At the outset of a project, we develop a mission statement including core principles and are sure to maintain such throughout the project. We intend to have future development mesh with the existing community; finishing planned parks; incorporating other projects to enhance existing Village Center. We’d also be considering current issues, such as parking at the Community Center, bus stop, etc. We’ve identified that buyers want preserved open space and understand the importance of the trail system that exists. Also thinking about winter recreation; a farmstead area (stables, equestrian center).
Both companies presented maps of the community as well as pictures of various projects in the southwest with which they’ve been involved. I was not able to stay until the end, but certainly felt as if both companies had done their due diligence and would not be presenting such proposals if they weren’t close to making a purchase. Hopefully we will be receiving news of such in the very near future. Sure sounds as if it would be a win, win for Suncrest and all of us as residents. Here’s hoping…
All the best to you and yours,
Paula Roth
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