Salt Lake City, Utah — Construction crews broke ground Tuesday on Utah’s first modular apartment complex aimed at helping homeless residents and those struggling with addiction or medical challenges transition to independent living.
The project, The Other Side Village Prep Academy, is located at 648 E. 100 S. in downtown Salt Lake City. The four-story, 33,860-square-foot complex will ultimately house 100 people, providing a bridge between homelessness and stable housing.
The building is being constructed from 48 prefabricated modules assembled in advance at Irontown Modular’s factory in Spanish Fork. Each module arrives on-site fully finished, with interior work and appliances already installed. Once stacked and completed, the apartments will be ready to accommodate residents directly from the streets.
“The participants here will be given all the skills necessary to be able to live an independent life and thrive,” said Tim Stay, CEO of The Other Side Foundation.
The Prep Academy is designed as a six- to twelve-month transitional program, helping residents develop the skills needed for long-term stability. Graduates of the program may qualify to move into The Other Side Village, a larger modular housing development currently under construction near Redwood Road.
Construction crews began placing modules on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for modular housing in Utah. While the building is taking shape, residents are expected to move in approximately three months after the final construction and safety inspections are complete.
The project represents a new approach to affordable housing, using modular construction to significantly reduce build times and provide flexible, scalable solutions for communities facing homelessness. Officials and community partners view the complex as a model for addressing social and housing challenges in urban areas, combining rapid construction with structured, supportive programming for residents.
“This initiative is about more than providing a roof over someone’s head,” Stay added. “It’s about creating a pathway to independence, health, and opportunity for people who have often faced insurmountable barriers.”
The Other Side Village Prep Academy is expected to transform downtown Salt Lake City’s approach to homelessness, offering a safe, stable environment where participants can rebuild their lives with access to support services, training, and community engagement.
.webp)
