The Ranches and City Center in Eagle Mountain begin to merge
Project manager Ryan Kent points toward a future church site on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 in Eagle Mountain. Developers are currently working on building sewer and water lines among other utilities on the land area in preparation for home building. SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald
Construction continues on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 in Eagle Mountain.
Construction continues on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 in Eagle Mountain. Developers are currently working on building sewer and water lines among other utilities on the land area in preparation for home building. SAMMY JO HESTER, Daily Herald
Excitement was high in Eagle Mountain last week when residents saw excavation taking place south of Unity Pass.
The staff received so many calls from people wanting to know what they were doing in that area, they posted an explanation on the city website and then also requested Utah County let people know.
“It’s a big deal for a couple of reasons. The first reason it’s kind of by The Ranches, basically on the fringes, and it’s going towards the City Center. It’s closing the gap,” Eagle Mountain Planning Director Steve Mumford said.
Called Oquirrh Mountain Ranches, the planned residential development is more than 140 acres and is in its first phase of 50 homes with the first plat having 30 single family units.
The entire project is a 346-unit mix of single family, cluster homes, town homes, parks and hillsides, he said.
“It’s been ongoing since 2007. It’s been a long process,” Mumford said.
The final plats were approved in August 2015 and digging began for infrastructure in December.
“The other thing that is exciting is the petroglyphs on the site. They are preserving them and deeding them to the city,” Mumford said.
Part of the length of time taken from planning to breaking ground was because of the recession.
“We’ve seen the market go up and down and hopefully, is on a rebound again now and with the eclectic home styles and the diversity of the community in both building type and amenities, you know, we are really hoping this will be a successful project,” said Ryan Kent, R.K. Builders.
Currently, the developers are moving large boulders from the ground and putting those through a crusher to use the crushed rock as gravel and other fill material for the trenches.
The trenches are for the main infrastructure crews are working on – storm drains, sewer lines and other components required for a residential development.
“We are going to start breaking ground as soon as possible with the new homes,” said Travis Ross of R.K. Builders.
The entries, entry monuments and landscaping along Pony Express Parkway will be completed with this first phase. Overlooking Cedar Valley, the panoramic views of West Mountain, Lake Mountain and the valley below are a strong selling point for the homes.
“Three-hundred-sixty degree views of mountains, with the addition of a new school and parks, this is going to be one of the most coveted communities in Utah County,” Kent said.
A few lots have already been purchased. Actual home building is planned for spring when they can receive the necessary city building permits.
Kent said he carries on a standard set by Scott Kirkland with The Ranches. Kirkland was the developer from 1994 until 2008.
“The continuity from The Ranches continues through to Oquirrh Mountain Ranches,” Kent said.
