Mayor Lyle Holmgren – Mayors Message February 2024

In 1994, one of the most prominent buildings within Tremonton City’s downtown, the Midland Hotel, was destroyed by fire. After months of discussion, consideration, and community input, the City, purchased the property where Midland Hotel was previously located, and appointed a committee of volunteers to create a public park. When Midland Square was first conceived, the plans for this public space included the construction of a permanent stage and restrooms. However, the stage was omitted due to funding, and the public space was constructed without electrical facilities and public restrooms.

For decades, city leaders, downtown merchants, and residents have been searching for ways to revitalize downtown. In December 2012, Tremonton City submitted a proposal to the American Institute of Architects for a Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) to assist the community and its citizens, through town hall meetings and other public meetings, in addressing some of the key issues facing our city. These concerns included, among other things, revitalizing the downtown district.

In its final report to the city, the SDAT team determined that Midland Square, located directly at the center of Main Street, could become a catalyst for merchants to realize added shoppers. But the current design of the square, they argued, was not very conducive for gathering people together. With its uneven surface area, overgrown spruce trees, and 3-foot cement walls, much of the area was not very useful or practical. The SDAT committee recommended the city should redesign a more useable landscape. To build a stage, bathrooms, access to electrical power, and other infrastructure improvements to better facilitate activities and events such as a stage for live performances, farmers market, the arts, and similar activities. Creating a space for gathering and connection won’t simply affect the calendar of fun things to do in Tremonton—it will also promote economic growth and job opportunities for the city.

In 2022, Tremonton City received a Rural Communities Opportunity Grant for $405,000 and has been collecting Redevelopment Agency (RDA) funds that must be used specifically for downtown redevelopment, as well as the generous private donations to fund the needed improvements that will accommodate the gathering of people at Midland Square.

Specifically, the funds will be used to construct a permanent stage area, additional power pedestals for vendors, landscaping, and public restrooms transforming Midland Square from a public park to a plaza where the city will have better facilities to program events and activities with the economic objective of attracting new small businesses to Tremonton’s Main Street, increasing retail sales and jobs. The reconfiguration of Midland Square in downtown Tremonton will better serve our community as a gathering place for activities and events for many years to come.

Some people have expressed concern that the Veterans Memorial located at Midland Square will be taken down. It is important to note that the Veterans’ Memorial will not be changed or altered by this redesign. This memorial serves as a physical tribute to those from the Bear River Valley who served our country in the military, and honors those who died preserving the cause of freedom and democracy for each of us.

Those who originally donated money and material toward the design and construction of the memorial and square will continue to be recognized for their contributions as will those who will contribute to the renovated square. Although the clock tower will be moved to open up the square, the upper portion of the clock tower will not be lost. We will find a new location at the square or in another part of the city for it.

Below are renderings of the renovated Midland Square that is landscaped to make it easier for people to gather for activities such as performances, the arts, farmers market, and other similar activities to promote economic growth and bring people together. Trees and other landscaping including physical structures providing shade will be located around the square.

Parking has always been a concern along main street. There is ample public parking south of the square where an inviting gateway will make it easy for people to stroll into the park, participate in concerts, farmers markets, visit the Veteran’s Memorial, or shop on main street.

The renovated Midland Square Plaza should be completed by fall 2024. It is my hope, and the hope of the city council that you will feel the difference for yourself when you visit the newly renovated Midland Square and participate in some exciting programming. Midland Square and the community events hosted there will soon feel like an irreplaceable part of Tremonton, creating new traditions and connections for our city for years to come.

But we’re not going off feelings alone. We plan to track the impacts of the Midland Square project so we can see how it affects the local economy, through markers like numbers of businesses and jobs, rental rates, private investment in downtown, retail leakage, and overall sales tax revenue.

I couldn’t be prouder of our employees, city council, planning commission, and volunteers who have spent much time planning and implementing this worthwhile project. And, I am proud to be a part of this community.

Conceptual View of Midland Square Plaza from Main Street

Aerial View of Midland Square Plaza Including Midland Square Plaza Stage