by Dawn House, Salt Lake Tribune

Remake of once-bustling mall to focus on making it more of a gathering spot.
 
Although adding new stores to fill empty storefronts doesn’t appear imminent, The Gateway is endeavoring to remake itself, starting with a $2 million renovation at the downtown Salt Lake City mall.

This comes as the one-year anniversary approaches for the opening of neighboring City Creek Center, which over the past 12 months has landed more than a dozen high-profile retail tenants that used to call The Gateway home.
The renovation project is focusing on ambiance and on the 12-year-old Gateway becoming more of a community gathering spot, said General Manager Scott Bennett.

By early summer, shoppers will see more shaded seating areas, surrounded by flowering plants. More than 220 seats will be added to nearly 150 existing spots designed to allow shoppers to rest and relax. In colder months, the areas will be warmed by fire pits.

“The downtown will continue to thrive,” Bennett said of the two malls operating within several blocks of each other. “Here, we’ll be the shopping, dining and entertainment district.“