Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Aug. 16, 2024 with additional information about SafeRide and Lot 111.

As part of the University of Utah’s long-term strategy to create “college town magic” on a historically commuter campus, significant changes are planned for the southeast corner of campus.

Starting this summer, signs of that transformation will begin.

The first step—preparing for large-scale construction projects at the nexus of on-campus housing, recreation and athletics facilities—requires closing the Kahlert Village parking lot.

Crews will install fencing around the lot at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 5. The lot will be permanently closed to make way for new housing, food, entertainment and other student life spaces. More details about those projects will be forthcoming as part of the university’s master planning project, which is expected to be released early next year.

“We know this will create some inconvenience for students, faculty and staff who live and work in this area,” said Jennifer Reed, associate vice president for Auxiliary Services. “But we are excited about a housing project that will contribute to the transformation of student and visitor life on campus.”

The Kahlert Village lot has 350 spaces; approximately 300 will be used for construction staging. Commuter Services leaders note that Kahlert’s parking spots will be replaced, one for one, with space at Lot 111 in Research Park (formerly parking for Myriad Genetics), along Guardsman Way, and around Ft. Douglas. Impacted drivers can also refer to the main campus map to locate the most convenient parking options for them.

SafeRide currently picks up students parking at Lot 111 and drops off at the Heritage Center, Kahlert Village, Marriott Honors, Lassonde Studios and Impact Prosperity Center on weekdays, between 6 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.

The university will announce additional parking options and expanded campus shuttle hours in the coming months.