New housing could break up State Street's sprawl

• Earlier this month, the commission also approved zoning changes for a similar complex near 1815 S. State.

Why it matters: The two projects would bring new retail space and dense housing to parts of State Street that are presently lined with sprawling parking lots and vacant storefronts.

• Despite being Salt Lake's main north-south corridor, the 6-lane thoroughfare is widely considered a waste of valuable, centrally located space amid the city’s housing crisis.

Details: The complex at 1815 S. State would convert a vacant furniture store into commercial and office space, with a separate apartment building for 150 units and retail space on the ground floor.

• The project at 1435 S. State would add nearly 180 new apartments, also with ground-floor retail space.