WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — The demolition of the Redwood Drive-In Theatre has left many residents of West Valley City grappling with the loss of a longstanding community landmark. Once a hub for local gatherings, the drive-in was also the site of weekly swap meets that catered to a diverse range of people, particularly the city’s Latino community.
In September 2024, the West Valley City Council voted to rezone the area for housing, a decision that sparked protests and vocal opposition from community members. Despite the outcry, construction crews began dismantling the site this week, with workers removing asphalt and soil in preparation for new developments.
Pedro Jimenez, a longtime West Valley City resident, expressed his deep disappointment with the council’s decision. “The drive-in has been here for so many years, and to see it go has such a big impact on the community,” Jimenez said. “It created a lot of jobs for a lot of people.”
Jimenez, who has been vocal in his opposition to the rezoning, highlighted the particular impact on the city’s Latino residents. He referred to the drive-in and its swap meets as a vital gathering space for families and individuals who relied on the affordable goods sold there, from fresh produce to household items.
“It was a mall for the Latin American community,” Jimenez added. “People could come and buy what they needed while connecting with others in the community.”
The decision to rezone the land for housing came after EdgeHomes, a Utah-based home-building company, purchased the property. The company plans to build over 300 housing units on the site, which has sparked further concerns among residents. Critics, including Jimenez, worry that the development will primarily benefit wealthier individuals and developers, while leaving behind those who have depended on the drive-in for affordable goods and services.
Many feel that the loss of the drive-in represents more than just the demolition of a structure — it marks the erasure of a space that served as a cultural and social lifeline for a significant portion of the community.
The city’s decision to prioritize housing development over the preservation of the drive-in has led to divided opinions. Proponents of the development argue that the housing is needed to meet the growing demand for residences in the area, while opponents stress the importance of maintaining spaces that foster community and cultural connections.
As construction continues, the future of the site and the broader implications for West Valley City’s community remain uncertain. The Redwood Drive-In Theatre, once a symbol of local history and togetherness, is now a memory for many who are left wondering what will be lost as the city evolves.