[ctobsl]

Planning Commission Recommends Approval for Huge Development
August 10th, 2007 @ 2:50pm
LEHI, Utah (AP) -- A major development designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry cleared its first hurdle.

The city's Planning Commission recommended approval on Thursday for construction of high-end retail stores, residential units and a five-star hotel and convention center.

A final decision will be made by the City Council in a vote yet to be scheduled.

The multi-billion-dollar project is planned for 85 acres off Interstate 15 owned by software entrepreneur Brandt Andersen.

Andersen hosted city leaders in a reception Wednesday that served up the latest plans along with fried shrimp, chocolate mousse and skewered chicken.

"I want things to be done perfectly," he said.

Andersen was founder in 1999 of uSight, which develops software for small businesses. Part of the Provo company was sold to NMR Inc. of Kansas City.

Gehry, a 1989 winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, designed Spain's Guggenheim Museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. In New York, he is designing an 18,000-seat basketball arena.

Information from: Deseret Morning News

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)