Utah’s economy is hot hot hot, and vacancy rates for apartments, office and retail space are as rare as the steak tartare at the Paris Bistro. Here’s the news, take it as good or bad, happy or sad, about what’s happening in our city. After all, closures encourage new beginnings, right?

The gourmet hot dog shop next to Juniors Tavern will soon be a Greek souvlaki joint. After 19 years downtown, Iggy’s Sports Grill opted not to renew their Homewood Suites lease, and closed their Pioneer Park location. DOPO Italian restaurant at the Gateway has been closed for months. The sign in the door says their chef died, and the same sweets have been molding in the pastry case all summer long. Twist restaurant and bar opened on Exchange Place across from Maxwell’s, and Bad Ass Coffee is moving to the vacated deli at the American Towers Condos.

That fenced-up eyesore on 200 South east of Bourbon House will be a hotel. Owners have parceled together pieces of land around the building and will construct boutique hotel accommodations. Main Street’s Bayleaf location will soon have a new restaurant. Patrons pick from fresh menu ingredients, and chefs will create the meal! The entrance to the 400 South Chamber of Commerce building is capped by unused space, so the owners of the building have decided to build out the main floor which a 24 Hour Fitness will occupy.

The Northwest Pipeline building on 200 South, known later as the Salt Lake Public Safety Building, has been vacant for a few years. The Utah Heritage Foundation wants us to save the former cop shop that was built in the mid-century modern style known as the corporate “International Style.” The city’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Division wants to help transform it into affordable housing units with street level shops, so watch for public feedback opportunities. Salt Lake City just keeps changing.

Babs De Lay is a broker for Urban Utah Homes & Estates