Where is Salt Lake’s Ballpark Neighborhood?
Salt Lake City’s Ballpark Neighborhood is a small but very important community. The centerpiece is the Smith’s Ballpark, “Home of the Bees.” East to west, the neighborhood’s boundary begins at State Street and ends at Interstate 15. On the north boundary is 500 South. The South boundary is 2100 South. The population is about 8,000. Like most places in Utah, the price of real estate has increased significantly over the past five years. The median house price is still less than in the downtown and central areas of the city. The median sold home price in the area in September 2023 was $485,000.
The neighborhood is bordered by Glendale, Poplar Grove, Historic Downtown, and the Central City District. It is also very near to the Marmalade District known for its colorful Victorian-era houses.
Smith’s Ballpark at 77 West 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, remained the home of the minor league Salt Lake Bees in the fall of 2023, but the Bees announced it would move to a new facility located in Daybreak, South Jordan, Utah by 2025. The Bees are with the Pacific Pacific Coast League. The facility also serves as home to the collegiate Utah Utes (Pac-12 conference). The University of Utah Utes have also launched a campaign to build a new home facility in the city.
What is the Future of Smith’s Ballpark?
At this point, it’s anyone’s guess! The Bees, a Triple-A minor league baseball team, and the University of Utah Utes have announced intentions to relocate. The Bees will move to Daybreak after the 2024 season. The Utes have launched a campaign to build a new facility.
Suggestions include turning the area into green space. Another recommended Smith’s Ballfield become a women’s athletic facility.
The space housed Derk’s Field before the current facility was built. It was first named the Franklin Quest Field (1994 to 1997); then Franklin Quest Field (1997 to 2009); and the Spring Mobile Ballpark (2009–2014). That’s when Smith’s signed a 15-year naming contract.
Is there anything in Ballpark besides baseball?
Yes! This community is packed with action. It has become a hub for artists and creatives with art studios, galleries, and performance spaces.
Also (don’t laugh) Ballpark, Salt Lake City, is famous for its food truck scene. There, I said it. You can find a variety of cuisines sold right out of a truck. It’s authentic – in many cases – ethnic dream food to die for. Grab a few street tacos and wander the neighborhood to take in the colorful street art and murals.
Feel like sitting down for casual or fine dining? Here you will find trendy cafes and fusion restaurants. You’ll come across classic diners and coffee shops!
The neighborhood hosts a variety of events throughout the year including festivals, live music, farmers’ markets and more.
Like many of the communities surrounding historic downtown Salt Lake City, this one is decidedly urban. Yet, Ballpark boasts several parks and green spaces including Jordan Park. This is a sprawling park complete with the International Peace Gardens featuring rare displays from multiple countries. It is one of only two such gardens in the nation. With fields and courts, playgrounds and trails, Jordan Park is a local gem. It’s not surprising residents here hold elbow room in high regard. The Ballpark neighborhood’s rich history dates back to the late 19th century when it was initially settled. At that time, farming was a staple in the developing economy. The farms were eventually replaced by residents and businesses, but good old-fashioned community spirit (like that required for farmers to survive) remains stronger than ever.
Neighborhoods evolve, Ballpark more so than most recently. It has undergone significant redevelopment, with the construction of modern apartment complexes and commercial spaces, contributing to the area’s revitalization and growth.
Why do people move to Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City, Utah, attracts residents for a variety of reasons, and the factors that make it appealing can vary from person to person. Here are ten top reasons why people choose to move to Salt Lake City:
- Outdoor recreation: Salt Lake City is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby mountains and national parks. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area for activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
- Job opportunities: The city’s economy is diverse and robust, with opportunities in sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and outdoor recreation. Major employers like Adobe, Goldman Sachs, and the University of Utah offer job prospects.
- Quality of life: Salt Lake City consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life. It offers a balanced lifestyle with a strong job market, low crime rates, and access to outdoor amenities.
- Family-friendly: Many families are attracted to Salt Lake City for its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly amenities such as parks, museums, and cultural activities.
- Strong education: The city is home to the University of Utah and several other higher education institutions, making it a hub for academic and research opportunities.
- Cultural scene: Salt Lake City has a thriving cultural scene with numerous theaters, art galleries, music venues, and annual festivals. The Eccles Theater, Utah Symphony, and Sundance Film Festival are just a few examples.
- Healthcare: The city boasts a renowned healthcare system, with hospitals like Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah Health providing top-notch medical care.
- Low cost of living: Compared to many major metropolitan areas in the U.S., Salt Lake City offers a relatively low cost of living, with reasonable housing costs, affordable utilities, and transportation.
- Friendly community: Salt Lake City is known for its welcoming and friendly community. The city’s residents often take pride in their sense of community and willingness to help newcomers feel at home.
- Access to nature: Beyond outdoor recreation, residents of Salt Lake City enjoy the convenience of being within driving distance of national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches, making it an ideal home base for exploring the American Southwest.
Ballpark’s night scene hits it out of the park
As local communities become more diverse, so do the options for entertainment offered there. Within Salt Lake City proper, you will find museums, art galleries, and theaters (live and on the silver screen). Live dance performances, athletic adventures, laser games, yoga, and so much more saturate the city.
This neighborhood is just a short distance from all of those, but you sure don’t have to leave the community to have a good time!
Following are some favorite neighborhood hotspots to check out:
The Bayou
645 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
The Bayou has a 4.7/5-star rating on Google with 3,400 reviews. The spicy scene at this busy eatery and bar specializes in Cajun-inspired food and “pub grub.” All of this does not overshadow the establishment’s impressive beer selection.
Big Willies
1717 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Big Willies is a great place to play games like pinball, darts, and billiards. This sports bar features multiple TVs, good food, shots, and beer all with a 4.4/5-star rating decided by more than 1,000 reviewers.
The Green Pig
31 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Technically, The Green Pig is just outside of Ballpark on the northeast corner but with a 4.4-star rating and 3,200 reviews, I thought it was worth mentioning. There is definitely a distinct vibe here with televisions, live music, trivia, beer, and cocktails. Go ahead and make a pig of yourself on honest-to-goodness pub fair made all the more delicious because it’s served in a sea of friendly faces.
Junior’s Tavern
30 East Broadway, 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Junior’s Tavern boasts a 4.5/5-star rating on Google with 232 reviews. The pub is known for its jazz & blues music. Enjoy the patio and a pool table.
Piper Down Pub
1492 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
This lively pub has a great menu of food, import drafts & cocktails. Watch sports on any one of the TVs there or listen to live music! Piper Down Pub has a 4.5-star rating on Google with 2,800 reviews.
This is just a sampler of the restaurants that make the Ballpark nightlife a fun and exciting scene of diversity.
What kind of architecture is prominent in Ballpark homes?
Homes in the Ballpark neighborhood are a mix of architectural styles due to the area’s history and evolution.You can find a range of architectural influences in the area. Some of the most prominent include:
Historic homes: Ballpark has a number of older homes that reflect architectural styles common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This might include Victorian-era homes with decorative details, Craftsman-style bungalows, and other historic house designs.
Industrial architecture: Given its history as an industrial area, you’ll find some older industrial buildings in Ballpark. These may feature elements of industrial architecture, such as exposed brick, large windows, and utilitarian design.
Mid-century modern: Some parts of the neighborhood may have mid-century modern homes and buildings characterized by clean lines, flat roofs, and an emphasis on function and simplicity.
Contemporary design: As neighborhoods like Ballpark undergo revitalization and redevelopment, you’ll also find modern and contemporary architectural designs. These buildings often feature sleek lines, innovative materials, and energy-efficient design elements.
Mixed-use developments: With urban renewal efforts, mixed-use developments have become more common in Ballpark. These structures often combine residential units with commercial spaces and feature contemporary design aesthetics.
Adaptive reuse: Some older industrial or commercial buildings have been adaptively reused to house new businesses or residential units. These spaces may preserve historical architectural elements while incorporating modern features.
Artistic and eclectic styles: Ballpark has a creative and artistic community, and you may come across buildings that feature unique and eclectic designs, including murals, public art, and unconventional architectural elements.
It’s important to note that architectural styles in urban neighborhoods like Ballpark can vary from block to block and street to street, depending on the history of development and ongoing urban renewal efforts. Additionally, as the neighborhood continues to evolve, new architectural styles and influences may emerge. If you have a specific interest in a particular architectural style, it’s a good idea to explore the neighborhood in person to see the diversity of architectural design in Ballpark.
