University of Utah gains approval to bid up to $21 million for neighboring property

The University of Utah received permission on October 2 to bid up to $21 million for property beside its Salt Lake City campus, the Salt Lake Tribune reported October 5. The authorization covers the Pingree Center building and about 5.3 acres near Guardsman Way and Sunnyside Avenue.

According to the Tribune, the Utah Board of Higher Education approved using state-appropriated capital funds for the bid. The center plans to relocate, potentially giving the university more room to expand.

University President Taylor Randall told the board that the land offered a rare expansion opportunity, the newspaper reported. He had not identified a specific use for the property.

The $21 million is a bidding ceiling, not an agreed sale price. The report describes permission to pursue the site; it does not establish a winning bid or completed purchase.