Salt Lake City blocks are famously large, measuring 660 feet by 660 feet, making them distinctive square parcels in urban planning. These dimensions contribute to the city's unique spacious feel and grid layout.
The Unique Dimensions of Salt Lake City Blocks
Salt Lake City stands out for having some of the largest blocks in the Western United States. Each standard block spans an impressive 660 feet on all four sides, resulting in a perfect square. To put this into perspective:
- One Salt Lake City block (660 ft x 660 ft) covers approximately 10 acres.
- This is significantly larger than typical urban blocks found in many other American cities.
This expansive design traces back to the city's original layout, known as the "Plat of Zion," conceived by Brigham Young. The plan was designed to accommodate spacious homes, gardens, and facilitate community gathering, with wide streets and generous block sizes intended to reflect an agrarian ideal within an urban setting. This historical planning has left an enduring legacy on the city's structure and development.
Comparing Salt Lake City Blocks to Other Major Cities
While Salt Lake City blocks are notably square and large, block sizes can vary significantly from one city to another, often reflecting different historical planning philosophies, geographic constraints, and developmental goals. Below is a comparison of block dimensions in Salt Lake City with a couple of other major Western cities:
| City | Block Dimensions (Length x Width) | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 660 feet x 660 feet | Square |
| San Francisco | 660 feet x 198 feet | Rectangular |
| Phoenix | 660 feet x 330 feet | Rectangular |
As evident, San Francisco and Phoenix feature rectangular blocks, with widths considerably narrower than their lengths, leading to a different urban experience compared to Salt Lake City's expansive squares.
Impact and Characteristics of Large Blocks
The substantial size of Salt Lake City's blocks has several implications for the urban environment:
- Walkability: Longer block perimeters can mean longer walks between intersections, which might be perceived as less pedestrian-friendly in some contexts. However, the wide streets often include generous sidewalks.
- Development: Large blocks offer significant space for diverse development, from large public buildings and parks to mixed-use developments that can incorporate various functions within a single block.
- Traffic Flow: The grid system with large blocks and wide streets generally allows for efficient traffic movement, reducing congestion by providing ample road space.
- Green Space: Many blocks historically allowed for larger yards and even small farms, contributing to a greener urban fabric, a legacy still visible in some neighborhoods.
Understanding these dimensions is key to appreciating Salt Lake City's distinctive urban layout and the historical influences that shaped its development. The generously sized blocks are a foundational element of its unique character, setting it apart from many other urban centers.
