By Lou Melini — For many years the Bicycle Collective has envisioned a new building. If you have ever volunteered, visited or went there to make a purchase you will know why a new building is needed. The building is simply too small to meet the needs of the community in addition to needing repairs.
For more than 15 years the Collective has successfully operated the Salt Lake City shop in a rented space located at 2312 S. West Temple. The Bicycle Collective wants to ensure that it is a community resource for generations to come. A $3.5 million capital campaign to finance design and construction of a new flagship location in Salt Lake City has been in the works to achieve the goal of a new building.
Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) worked with the Collective and identified a piece of undeveloped property located at 901 S. Gale Street (325 West). Atlas Architects created the new building design concepts. The Salt Lake City RDA voted to donate that parcel of land to the Collective – a donation valued at $285,000.
Part of the funding has been raised, but more is needed, as construction is to begin soon. The goal of the campaign is to raise $1,000,000 from 10,000 community contributors. If you are unable to give $100, then donate what you can as all donations will be gratefully appreciated. Join me and help make this campaign a success. Go to Bicyclecollective.org and click on the capital campaign tab for more details.
Lou Melini is a lifelong bicycle commuter, and the former Commuter Column editor for Cycling West.
