Nestled at the base of the Book Cliffs, Green River (pop. 847) is a small but mighty town in southeastern Utah’s high desert. Throughout the years, Green River has seen its share of boom and bust cycles, from outlaws in the late 1800s to a Cold War-era missile test site. Through investments in arts, housing, and public space, Epicenter is building a future for Green River driven by the vision and needs of local people, not outside extraction. Canal Commons will provide a mix of rental and owner-occupied affordable units for a community that sorely lacks safe, accessible housing.

Developed in collaboration with Epicenter and Green River residents, a series of public and semi-public spaces will connect the new housing to the canal and a nearby community park. The design for the Commons reflects the local blend of working and wild landscapes, transitioning from the rigid geometry of the irrigation canal to the flows of the arroyo. Sunken gathering spaces also serve as overflow detention basins for Green River’s rare but intense rainstorms, with rocky swales and scrambles offering informal exploration and play. The planting highlights local desert species like rubber rabbitbrush and Utah serviceberry, while also creating space for community stewardship through an orchard and pollinator garden.