University of Utah students reimagine Japantown development for class project [Video]

SALT LAKE CITY — Architecture students from the University of Utah spent their semester reimagining Japantown and shared their vision with community members on Wednesday.

According to architecture major student Viviane Nguyen, preserving the identity of Japantown for the redevelopment was a priority.

“None of us actually knew Japantown existed until our professors told us that it was a community that was erased,” said Nguyen.

Teams of students presented a chance at a new life for a beloved part of Salt Lake City.

“We asked the community themselves what they wanted to see in this area,” said Nguyen. “Parking for sure, so that more people can come and enjoy what they have to offer, housing as well.”

At the gallery open house, people got to learn more about all the plans, concepts and models that teams of students came up with.

“This was more of an exercise to help the …