From Granger Shopping Center to West Valley Center
West Valley Center – From Granger Shopping Center to Discount Hub
The West Valley Center, located near 3500 South and Market Street in West Valley City (formerly Granger, Utah), has been a key commercial hub since its early days as the Granger Shopping Center. In 1980, the center underwent a major facelift and rebranding, becoming the West Valley Center and shifting toward a discount-oriented shopping experience. The improvements included new mansard canopies that created a unified look while providing shelter for shoppers, as well as upgraded parking and lighting throughout the extensive lot, making it more convenient for patrons, particularly during the busy Christmas shopping season.
At the time, Security National Investment Corp. managed the property, with Kim Hibbert serving as vice president and commercial property manager. The center’s 17 business operations included a mix of retail, services, and financial institutions, reflecting the evolving shopping habits of the West Valley community. Shoppers could access the center from Market Street (2740 West), 3500 South, or 2700 West, with plans underway to improve traffic flow on 2700 West to allow northbound left turns into the center.
This cluster of businesses established West Valley Center as a community destination, offering everything from clothing and footwear to fitness, dining, banking, and specialty services. Over the years, many of these stores evolved, relocated, or were replaced as shopping trends changed, but the center remained a cornerstone of commerce on the West Side.
The transformation from the Granger Shopping Center to the West Valley Center reflected broader shifts in retail, including the rise of discount stores and multi-purpose commercial centers. Today, while many original businesses have changed, the property continues to serve the community, preserving the memories of decades of local commerce and neighborhood life.