A developer is proposing 150 rental townhomes next to the planned Super Walmart site off Lakeview Parkway in west Provo.
The rental neighborhood was introduced during a recent District 3 neighborhood meeting and is now headed to the Provo City Council for rezoning approval. Some nearby residents have expressed concerns about how the project might affect their community.
The proposed development is designed to act as a buffer between the new Super Walmart and existing homes, with the aim of reducing noise and creating a more cohesive transition between residential and retail spaces.
The plan includes 150 two-story townhome units featuring green spaces and community amenities such as a dog park, children’s playground, picnic areas and a clubhouse with a fitness center.
The rentals will be managed by a local housing management company, which has yet to be determined.
The development company behind the proposal, Foulger Pratt, has experience with built-to-rent housing, including local neighborhoods such as the Dendry in north Provo.
Jamie Chapman, Foulger Pratt’s director of development, said the goal is to “bridge” standards of living with affordability.
“Built-for-rent town-homes bridge the gap for young folks tired of living in an apartment and give them a rental product they can afford, providing a sense of single-family home living geared toward young families or retirees,” Chapman said.
However, residents of neighboring communities have expressed concerns about the lack of home ownership opportunities.
“I know that it’s a community concern,” Andrew Terry, District 3 Neighborhood Chair, said. “We would like to see ownership opportunities there.”
Local BYU student and social media influencer Tim Jafek also questioned whether a rental-only model would foster long-term investment from residents.
“A lot of public comments said if they’re not looking to have home purchasing — if they’re just looking to rent — then ultimately it’s not going to be people who are incentivized to contribute to the community,” Jafek said.
Provo City Council member Becky Bogdin, who represents District 3, also raised additional concerns about the transition of the property.
She noted that a small trail runs along the site’s border with a neighboring community, which residents enjoy walking.
The land was previously classified as wetlands and includes a pump used to drain water. Bogdin expressed concern about how potential flooding and the pump will be managed.
Chapman responded that Foulger Pratt is working with Provo’s civil engineering department to address those issues.
He noted the area is no longer within the wetland boundary, which has since shifted to the opposite side of Lakeview Parkway. The company will continue working with the city engineers to resolve how best to handle drainage and the existing pump.
Despite pushback, Chapman said the company is confident in the project's viability.
“We’re not in the business of finding properties that don’t rent,” he said.