Making the space work

Art West is the perfect example of how the integration of design, engineering, and construction can elevate attainable housing. The project pushes the limits of a small urban infill parcel, achieving nearly fifty units per acre while maintaining quality and livability. Each 15-foot-wide unit was planned to maximize daylight, spatial clarity, and privacy within a tight footprint.

We worked with our consultants to re-evaluate vertical dimensions. To meet fire access restrictions while retaining roof decks, di’velept worked with structural and MEP engineers to compress the floor-to-floor height without compromising comfort or function. Careful system coordination allowed every home to include full living levels and an accessible roof terrace. This design move maintained a neighborhood-appropriate height and gave residents private outdoor space often reserved for only the highest end of projects.

Natural light is central to the design. Tall windows and open interiors bring daylight deep into each level, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Each residence rises to a private roof deck that provides panoramic views and a sense of retreat.

Most of the homes are two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath units, but we made a few adjustments to the corner unit to meet zoning requirements. In this area, we needed ten feet of non-parking space along the street to keep the block active and engaging. To make it work, we added a ground-floor bedroom, turning the corner home into a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath unit. The change not only met the code—it made the unit even better. It’s got more living space, larger bedrooms, and a huge roof deck with incredible views.

Art anchors the project’s public face. di’velept designed two murals that celebrate the site’s namesake and the Hispanic identity of the neighborhood. Their bold tones inspired the project’s accent palette, ensuring that the art and architecture speak the same language.

Normally, di’velept wouldn’t be involved in the mural design, but we happened to have an incredible designer on our team at the time. When the client wasn’t quite satisfied with the initial concept from their original artist, they asked us to jump in. Mike created a series of vibrant renderings, playing with bold, energetic colors until the client found one they loved. We then carried those mural colors across the rest of the exterior elevations, tying everything together and giving the bold palette a clear purpose. The murals transform a once-blank wall into a cultural marker visible along the corridor. The murals also help connect the development to the nearby Utah Arts Alliance. The Alliance has updated its own facade, visually tying both properties together and extending the district’s artistic energy.

Art West shows that visual richness does not have to rely on expensive finishes. Instead, it can grow from disciplined proportion, honest materials, and attention to rhythm. The project adds color, movement, and identity to a corridor in transition while still maintaining clarity and restraint in its architectural language.

Designing with Color