Central City is the area between downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah. The real estate in the neighborhood is a diverse mix of single family residences, as well as many historic and newer apartment buildings. Popular condo complexes like The Metro, Library Square, and Broadway Tower are hot spots for students that favor fast commutes to campus and young professionals that work downtown.
The main artery running through the neighborhood is 400 S. With numerous lanes of traffic, and service by TRAX, it makes for an easy commute no matter which end of the valley one is headed.
The commercial activity of the neighborhood is alive and vibrant. Trolley Square, a partially enclosed shopping center that once housed Salt Lake City’s streetcars, is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Prominent tenants include Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Whole Foods, The Old Spaghetti Factory, and the locally-owned Desert Edge Brewery. The center is noted for its unusual architecture that is composed of old barns, brick floors, and wrought-iron doors and balconies.
At the intersection of 200 E and 400 S, and directly across from the Salt Lake City County Buildings at Washington Square, lies the Salt Lake City Public Library; a five-story tall, wedge-shaped building housing over 500,000 books. It is instantly recognizable by the five-story curved glass wall and spacious lobby. Outside is a large outdoor landscaped plaza, aptly titled Library Square. Every summer, this space hosts some of Salt Lake’s largest annual outdoor events: the Living Traditions Festival, Jazz Festival, Arts Festival and Pride Festival. These events attract thousands of individuals every year, making Central City a unique, enlightening neighborhood.