Thursday, October 15, 2026TheUtah Ledger

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Orem development tracker

Hillcrest Elementary property purchase option

Alpine School District declared the former Hillcrest Elementary property surplus. Under state law the city may buy it for public uses such as a park or city facility, at the average of the district's and the city's appraisals. On May 26, 2020 the council adopted a resolution of intent to purchase, which does not commit the city to a purchase.

Where it stands
Approved
Type
Development agreement
Location
Former Hillcrest Elementary School, Orem
Applicant
City of Orem / Alpine School District

Every hearing and vote

  1. May 26, 2020 · City Council

    Declaring intent to purchase the Hillcrest Elementary property

    Approved · 5-0

    Alpine School District declared the former Hillcrest Elementary property surplus and asked the city to state its intent under state law. The district's appraisal put the value at $6 million as is or $8.5 million if rezoned commercial; the price would be the average of the district's and the city's appraisals, and the city has ordered its own appraisal. The city could use the land only for listed public purposes such as a park or city hall and must offer it back to the district before any resale. City Manager Jamie Davidson said the resolution only preserves the option; the city already leases part of the site for a park. Mayor Brunst voted no, saying he did not want the city to buy land for development or high-density housing, was concerned about intersection costs on University Parkway and about the price, and did not think it the right time. Council Member Terry Peterson said the district's appraisal looked high and that a park would benefit the neighborhood. Council Members Tom Macdonald and Jeff Lambson said the step is due diligence and that without it the option is forfeited.

    Moved by Mayor Richard Brunst, seconded by Council Member David Spencer. Vote: 5-0 among council members, with Mayor Richard Brunst voting no; Council Member Debby Lauret had been excused

  2. June 30, 2020 · City Council

    City manager updates (work session)

    Discussed

    City Manager Jamie Davidson said Alpine School District's Hillcrest price was at the low end of earlier figures but the district requires a cash purchase; new Fire Chief Marc Sanderson starts July 1; Rocky Mountain Power will rebuild lines along 1600 North in the next 12 months and the city is weighing burying them; and the Orem Owls will not play in 2020.