After more than five decades, the view of the University of Utah is about to change. Sunnyside Apartments announced the upcoming demolition of the Medical Plaza, buildings that have had a prominent place in the university skyline for over 50 years.
Situated on approximately five acres, the Medical Plaza was a 123,600-square-foot housing complex that opened in September of 1971. The two 14-story towers and five townhomes were built as on-campus housing for staff personnel who needed 24-hour access to the medical center, but also housed students, faculty and staff who met certain eligibility guidelines established over the years.
For many years, the plaza was the only housing available exclusively to single graduate students, but also historically housed medical students and their families.
“The students loved living there because they could walk to their labs, run home for lunch or get home quickly if they had late nights,” said Valerie Green, associate director of resident life for the University of Utah at Sunnyside Apartments. “There were medical students that lived there and that way, if they had crazy rotations, they didn’t have to worry about driving to work.”
That convenience resulted in some residents staying for years at a time as they pursued advanced degrees or continued their research, she added. “Grad students would just live there, and they’d never wanted to move because they could walk to their lab and the rent was fairly cheap as well,” she said.
Built at a cost of $3 million, rents started at $110 for the 46 one-bedroom apartments, $140 for the 92 two-bedroom and $175 for one of the eight three-bedroom apartments, with all utilities included. That affordability was a huge draw for financially strapped graduate students.
In August 2023, the plaza closed, and all residents were required to move out.
“The Medical Plaza had considerable maintenance concerns that impacted the student experience for residents there. Plumbing, electrical and elevator issues had become worse over time, and for the major upgrades required, the buildings would have to be closed for years, displacing residents and their families,” said Jennifer Reid, associate vice president of Auxiliary Services. “We are excited that graduate students and students with families now have newly constructed housing in the west village providing modern, but modest apartments, programming tailored to their demographic, community and study space—amenities unavailable in the Medical Plaza—where students can gather both indoors and out for years to come.”
While progress is inevitable, those who once called the Medical Towers home are sad to see it go. Tory Coody earned his doctorate in biochemistry from the U and served as a resident advisor from 2018 to 2023 during his time as a graduate student. He has fond memories of his time at the plaza.
“It was so unique. One, the location of that housing and where it was and all the people that live there and trained there who were medical doctors, lawyers, Ph.D. students, undergraduate students and as an RA—it was an amazing place,” he said. “I had the best view of the valley that I’ll probably ever have in my life.”
He recalled spending summers with his now wife on campus and taking advantage of the plaza’s prime location to go for hikes on nearby trails or take a blanket to a comfy spot for an afternoon picnic. He is grateful for his time there but understands that nothing lasts forever.
“Progress is necessary and even though that space supported students and families and people in one way, whatever takes its place will continue supporting the University of Utah and all the people who work and live here going into the future,” Coody said.
University leadership has not yet identified what will replace the Medical Plaza once the demolition is complete. The long-term future of the property is being carefully considered. For the short term, the site will be graded and graveled and may be used as a temporary parking area or as construction staging for projects nearby. The total cost of the demolition project is estimated at $10.3 million and is scheduled to be completed by early summer.