Welcome back! The valley is waking up: daffodils are popping, boats are launching on Utah Lake, and families are dusting off bicycles. It feels like we’re collectively shaking off winter and eyeing new beginnings — whether that’s growing gardens, planning graduations or looking for our next favorite neighborhood spot.
This week’s stories reflect that energy. A major development proposal in Provo is inching forward, civic groups are celebrating local history and planners are thinking decades ahead about how we’ll live and move around the region. Meanwhile, neighbors continue to build community through food, service and shared joy.
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In today’s edition…
One local story worth knowing about
Quick updates from around the county
A local restaurant spotlight
Things to do in the week ahead
A few updates you might have missed
The Big Story
The big story: Provo mall’s $500 million makeover
Provo’s long‑troubled Towne Centre mall may soon be reborn. The city’s planning commission recently backed a rezoning that would allow a sweeping redevelopment of the 20‑year‑old mall into a mixed‑use neighborhood. The concept calls for five residential buildings holding about 1,300 apartments and 83 townhomes, an outdoor plaza in the former rotunda, and a ring of retained anchor stores. Developers say the project would invest roughly half a billion dollars in south Provo, transforming the underperforming mall into a dense “15-minute neighborhood.”
Residents in the adjacent mobile home park have voiced worries about displacement and rising rents. They urged the commission to slow down and ensure protections before approving any plan. In response, commissioners separated the rezoning vote from the detailed development agreement and asked the city to prepare affordable‑housing strategies. The current proposal promises to preserve some existing housing units and include a public plaza, but many details remain unresolved.
The rezoning will now head to the city council on April 14. Council members must decide whether to change land use from commercial to mixed use and how to balance economic growth with neighborhood stability. Supporters argue that new apartments near transit will help address Provo’s housing shortage and revitalize the struggling mall. Critics counter that 12‑story buildings could overwhelm nearby homes and that any redevelopment should prioritize affordable units and relocation assistance for current residents.
Why it matters: Provo’s decision will shape the future of one of the city’s largest commercial sites and set a precedent for redevelopment along the south University Avenue corridor. With Utah County’s population projected to double by 2065, city leaders must weigh how to add density and amenities without pushing out existing communities. Whatever path they choose, the outcome will affect housing costs, traffic patterns, retail options and the character of south Provo for decades.
Quick Hits
Honoring Lehi’s heritage
The Lehi Historical Society plans eleven historical marker unveilings in 2026, starting March 21 with a plaque commemorating the 1881 Relief Society Hall. Each event will feature music or entertainment and highlight local pioneers or buildings. Director Lara Bangerter hopes residents will attend to “learn the stories that built our town.”
Aerial future takes flight
Utah has been selected to lead uFLY, a five‑state pilot program to test electric vertical‑takeoff‑and‑landing aircraft (eVTOL). Partners from industry and government will explore cargo, emergency and passenger uses and prepare infrastructure for the 2034 Winter Olympics. Officials say the program could build a local aerospace workforce and position Utah as a hub for advanced aviation.
Lake love & caution
After a marketing campaign dubbed “Utah Lake is My Lake,” visitation jumped 12%. Water levels are healthy thanks to recent storms, but early warmth may spur harmful algal blooms. Federal grants totaling $7.7 million — including $1.2 million for carp removal — will fund water‑quality projects. Officials urge visitors to conserve water and heed algae advisories.
Restaurant of the Week
Lehi Bakery
Few things say “Lehi” like a square doughnut. Since 1969, Lehi Bakery has been turning out soft, square pastries and other treats with the motto “we don’t cut corners”. Under new owners David and Danielle Doty since 2018, the bakery has kept recipes intact while expanding to Highland and Saratoga Springs and planning more drive‑through locations.
The original shop sits at 172 W. Main Street in Lehi; additional locations are in Highland and Saratoga Springs, with future stores planned in Spanish Fork and Heber City.
Community love for their square doughnuts hasn’t waned — on weekdays they sell about 1,000, and Saturdays about 2,000. The bakery’s recent expansions show how a beloved local brand can grow without losing its identity. Stop in for a maple bar or a loaf of cinnamon bread and taste a piece of local history.
Around the Point: Things to Do this Week
Seussical the Musical
When: March 16 (Mon), 7 p.m.
Where: Draper Historic Theatre, Draper
A vibrant musical combining several Dr. Seuss stories, featuring Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and other beloved characters. Suitable for all ages.
March Film Screenings: Turning Over a New Leaf
When: Mondays and Fridays in March, 6 p.m.
Where: Orem City Library Media Auditorium
The library is showing a lineup of family‑friendly films throughout the month, including “October Sky,” “Enchanted,” “Toy Story 3” and “School of Rock.” Screenings are free and start at 6 p.m. in the media auditorium.
Adult/Teen All‑Levels Yoga
When: March 16 (Mon), 7–8 p.m.
Where: Provo Library (Young Special Events Room), Provo
Free yoga class for ages 12 and up; participants should register online and can borrow mats.
Tuesday Trucks and Trivia Night
When: March 17 (Tue), 6–8 p.m.
Where: Grove Station, Pleasant Grove
Grab dinner from food trucks and test your knowledge during a live trivia game; trivia costs $2–5 per person.
Cake Truffle Class
When: March 19 (Thu), 6–7 p.m.
Where: Kneaders Bakery & Cafe locations throughout Utah
Learn to roll carrot and chocolate cake truffles; ticket includes a half‑sandwich or salad, drink, four truffles and a 20% retail discount.
Ice Breaker Triathlon
When: March 21 (Sat), 7 a.m.
Where: American Fork Recreation & Fitness Center
First TriUtah race of the season—a sprint triathlon with 300-meter swim, 12.5 mile bike and 5 km run, plus duathlon and aquabike options. Transition opens at 7 a.m.; race meeting at 8:45 a.m.; pancake breakfast and awards around 10:45 a.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Party
When: March 17 (Tue), 4–10 p.m. (music 6:30–9:30 p.m.)
Where: Owl Bar, Sundance Mountain Resort
Pub‑style celebration with themed bites, drink specials and live music from the Nate Robinson Trio.
Celtic Crossroads Concert
When: March 17 (Tue), 7 p.m.
Where: American Fork Library, American Fork
Free concert by the Timpanogos Singers and Youth Choirs featuring Irish, Scottish and Welsh music, including pieces from Riverdance and Enya; tickets are required but sold out.
Provo Winter Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, January 10 – April 4, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Provo Towne Centre Mall, Provo
The Provo Farmers Market continues indoors for the winter, featuring local produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, and handcrafted items. It’s an easy, weatherproof way to support local vendors during the colder months.
In case you missed it…
Food bank running low
Community Action Services & Food Bank warned that demand has emptied shelves; they’re asking for donations of food or money to refill “dangerously low” stocks.
BYU analytics win
A team from BYU and UVU won the NFL’s Big Data Bowl with a model predicting defenders’ reactions to passes, earning $9,000 in prize money for their model.
More infoNew owner at Pioneer Market
Cecil Shern sold the grocery side of Pioneer Market to Jake Gaskin, who aims to lower prices while Shern keeps the pharmacy.
More info
That’s it for this issue of The Point.
If you spot something interesting, confusing, or very Utah County — a new restaurant, construction mystery, or rumor that needs checking — hit reply. The best tips make it into next week’s issue (with credit, if you want it).
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