October 26, 2022

Bicycle Collective, a nonprofit that refurbishes donated bicycles and puts them into the hands of those in need, and the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA) invite the community and media to the groundbreaking event for the Bicycle Collective’s new headquarters, or “hub”, at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 27 at 901 S. Gale Street (325 W. 900 South). Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, members of the City Council, Bicycle Collective leaders, and community members will deliver comments preceding a shovel and bike bell ceremony.   

The vacant site will soon be home to a 15,000-square-foot, two-story, multi-use building that will house a retail space, a bicycle repair shop for the public, a professional repair workspace, flexible classrooms, and a storage area for donated bicycles. 

“I can’t think of a more perfect place for a community asset like Bicycle Collective than right off the 9 Line Trail,” said Mayor Mendenhall, also the Executive Director of the RDA. “The Collective’s mission to connect people with transportation resources mirrors the way this east-west trail links parks, open space, neighborhoods, and business areas. It’s all about increasing access.”  

Officially in Salt Lake City’s Granary neighborhood, this property is just one block west of the Central Ninth business district, which is currently undergoing substantial streetscape improvements. The future building’s front doors will open onto the 9 Line Trail Corridor, a walking and bicycling trail along 900 South that will eventually connect east and west Salt Lake City from the mouth of Emigration Canyon to the Surplus Canal, west of Redwood Road. Additionally, it is one block away from the 900 South TRAX stop that serves all three lines.  

Through a public Request for Proposals process in 2017, Bicycle Collective was selected to develop the RDA-owned 0.26-acre parcel to activate the surrounding neighborhoods and provide much-needed transportation resources to the larger community. In exchange for the public benefits the organization is delivering, the RDA wrote down the total cost of the $280,000 land. Additional project funds were raised by individual donors large and small, private foundations, and grants. The RDA Board of Directors has also approved a bridge loan of $2.25 million to cover escalating costs for the $5 million project.    

“A redevelopment project like this is incredibly special because of its multi-benefit impact on the community,” said Salt Lake City Council Member and RDA Board Chair Ana Valdemoros. “Bicycle Collective’s move from South Salt Lake to Salt Lake City will bring new workers, volunteers, riders, and visitors to the Granary and Central Ninth neighborhoods, and the building’s much larger footprint will allow for more people to be served at this location simultaneously.”  

This will be the flagship location and headquarters of the Collective. The collective has shops in Ogden, Provo, and St. George. Some of the local organizations served by the Collective include the VOA Homeless Youth Resource Center, International Rescue Committee, First Step House, Catholic Community Services and Fortitude.   

“We are excited to put down our kickstand in this neighborhood and connect with community residents, commercial purveyors, and nonprofits who are already here,” said Bicycle Collective Executive Director Donna Matturro McAleer. “The Granary and Central Ninth areas are a brilliant mix of local businesses and public amenities that appeal to and serve a wide array of people. We look forward to engaging with our new neighbors and reaching an expanded swath of clients in need, bicycle enthusiasts, eager volunteers, and community supporters.”   

What:             Bicycle Collective Groundbreaking Ceremony  

When:            12:45 p.m., Thursday, October 27

Where:           901 S. Gale Street (325 W. 900 South)  

How:              Attendees are encouraged to ride bikes, take TRAX, and carpool  

About Bicycle Collective

Bicycle Collective is a group of nonprofit bike shops that refurbish donated bicycles and put them into the hands of those in need—focusing on children, newly resettled refugees and immigrants, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, individuals recovering from substance abuse, and low-to-moderate income households. Visit www.bicyclecollective.org for more information. 

About the RDA

The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA) strengthens neighborhoods and business districts to improve livability, create economic opportunity, and foster authentic, equitable communities. Acting as a catalyst for strategic development projects, the RDA prioritizes redevelopment projects that enhance the City’s housing opportunities, commercial vitality, public spaces, and environmental sustainability. To see what is happening in current project areas, please visit www.slcrda.com.