OGDEN -- A developer is expected to submit a proposal this week to begin work next year on the long-awaited Ogden River Project, says Mayor Matthew Godfrey.
The city's administration has been negotiating for about four months with the out-of-state developer, who was not identified pending the submission of the proposal, Godfrey said.
The developer was picked over at least two other individuals who also expressed interest in undertaking the Ogden River Project.
The developer has worked in Utah and has the financial backing to start next year on the first phase of the project that encompasses about 30 acres from Lincoln to Grant avenues between 18th and 20th streets, Godfrey said.
"This developer has ... urban and mixed-use project experience," he said.
The administration plans to review the developer's proposal, and then submit it to the city council for approval.
The proposal will include a master plan and timeline for completing various phases of the project, Godfrey said. The developer also is willing to partner with other firms to complete the work, he said.
Councilwoman Caitlin K. Gochnour said she is looking forward to reviewing a proposal for the river project.
"We all want movement in downtown," she said.
About 30 acres of the project have already been developed or targeted for construction, said Tom Christopulos, the city's business development manager.
Among the landholders is Bingham's Cyclery, 1895 Washington Blvd. America First Credit Union also has plans to construct a building at 20th Street and Washington Boulevard.
An original master plan for the river project, developed in 2002, called for about 600 units, including condominiums and townhomes, as well as single-family dwellings, Christopulos said.
However, the revised plan may slightly increase the number of units and will detail which components of the project should be undertaken first and determine the number of phases needed to complete the work, he said.
About 60 percent of the property in the project area is owned by Ogden Riverfront Development, a company with ties to businessman Gadi Leshem, while the remaining parcels belong to the city or other individuals, Christopulos said.
It hasn't been determined how the developer will work with Ogden Riverfront Development in acquiring properties within the river project boundaries, he said.
Leshem could not be reached for comment.
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