In Times of Love and Work

Couples in different sectors of the industry explain how they have best balanced their partnerships and their professional lives. 

Drawing from a Well of Understanding
Hans and Jessica Hoffman

While meeting new people happens all the time, real connection is often unexpected but can be the start of an incredible bond. Jessica and Hans Hoffman’s first meeting was in a physics class, then at a basic design studio while at college years ago. Their connection was shared ideologies and passions. What began over 20 years ago at the University of Utah’s School of Architecture has turned into a family of four. The constant connection in all of it? Their love of both good design in the built environment and each other.

Hans’ architectural passions developed while working on his first sports and resort projects. He eventually used his skills and relationships to open up his own firm in 2006, Hoffman architects LLC. On the other side of the relationship, Jessica has helped FFKR Architects become one of the premier design firms statewide since she started work there over 20 years ago.

Hans’ eye for design is best seen with resort projects in Canyons and stadiums both local—softball stadiums at Dixie State University and the University of Utah—and abroad—Seaman Stadium for the Okotoks Dawgs in Canada. Jessica’s work has also taken her both near and far, whether for the underground work at City Creek Mall in downtown Salt Lake City or for tribal projects like the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Administration Building outside of Sacramento.

Beyond the travel for work, their constant connection to architecture has broadened their perspective for what’s possible in the built environment and what it can achieve. Work has also shown both Jessica and Hans the strength found in one another.

Hans loves sharing a profession with his partner, especially hearing the stories that Jessica brings home after working with her clients. “There is a genuine feeling that she steps forward to help clients understand things,” Hans said. He sees Jessica as a natural leader, one who is great at client relations because she connects to their needs; every client knows she will take care of their project. “It’s cool to hear how the clients’ understanding evolves under her leadership.”

Jessica loves how Hans has taken the reigns to find his own personal joy. “His drawings are gorgeous,” she said. “He was meant to do this. He’s helped me prioritize what is important in the profession and how to be better. He’s a confident, talented, amazing human [… and] he’s so fun to be with.”

For them, their profession isn’t just a livelihood, but a shared passion. “When we go on vacation, it’s centered around architecture and the built environment,” Hans said. During one trip to celebrate a friends’ birthday in Las Vegas, their friends teased the Hoffmans about how the architects can’t resist discussing perspectives on surrounding architectural choices.

“We taught them to look upward and discuss how things are designed and constructed,” he said, Even as their friends tease the couple about their passion, the Hoffmans don’t mind sharing the gospel of good design.

After all, “it’s how you experience space. It’s how you feel,” Jessica said about the choices made by architects—a warm material here, the shadows and daylight hitting a certain spot—and how all of those things within man-made spaces can bring about such incredible experiences. “All of those things translate into feelings.

They mentioned that this passion for good design has brought them to see and understand some of the lovely peaks of architecture. Whether that was at a Tom Kunding hotel in Cabo San Lucas, or meeting and listening to internationally renowned architect Glenn Murcutt and touring around places like Sydney, Australia.

It’s a passion that has been instilled in their kids. Whether it is talking about the business of architecture, ADA ramps, or accessibility, “we joke that our kids could pass the architecture exams just listening to us for the last 20 years,” said Jessica.

With exams comes licensure and practice, another commonality between the two. While Jessica has served on the board of directors for AIA Utah and currently serves as President-Elect, Hans has served on the State of Utah Architects Licensing Board and many National Council of Architectural Registration Boards committees. While he shows the technique, she voices the message: the architectural community in Salt Lake City is where top-tier design talents lie. That good design and high-quality architecture are how we best enjoy the built environment.

It goes back to that birthday trip in Vegas years ago, telling everyone in their sphere that good design needs to be shared and understood. It’s taking a look at something that can be so taken for granted—homes, hospitals, offices, and community spaces—and seeing how the space they occupy can best achieve the goals of the companies, families, and individual people that occupy them.

“We’re evolving in terms of design,” said Jessica. “There’s great new design here in Salt Lake.”

And the Hoffmans plan to be there every step of the way, helping move Utah architecture forward. 


Trust in the Partnership

Heather and Zach Johnson

 

If there’s one word to describe Heather and Zach Johnson, it’s “dedicated.”

 

Zach has dedicated 100% of his professional energy to design engineering consultants Kimley-Horn, who he has worked for since 2006—with stints at offices in Denver, Sacramento, and Orange County before helping start the Utah office as an Associate. Heather has dedicated well over 20 years to the A/E/C industry, spending five years with Granite Construction and 14 years with Morgan Asphalt. She’s been at risk management firm CSDZ for the past five years. 

 

Much as they’ve built up successful careers, the couple has also been building a relationship together since they began dating six years ago, marrying in 2017. Since that time, both have remained dedicated to their work while gaining a newfound devotion to their growing family, with Jaxton (20 months) and Ruby (five months) joining big sister Madyson (18).

 

Speaking of family, when they were asked what it’s been like raising a baby and a toddler while remaining linchpins for their respective offices, Zach answered, “It’s a wild ride. We’re two working professionals in a schedule-driven industry. […] It’s a lot of ‘What does your next hour look like?’”

 

Two equals have formed a successful and loving partnership. Zach explained how their relationship is a two-way effort where they advance each other’s goals. Heather agreed, expressing how taking time to appreciate his multi-tasking, focus, and drive have helped to keep their lives moving in a positive direction.

 

“He’s Johnny on the spot to help things work for me,” said Heather. One memory she recalled fondly was when Zach was on a conference call at home, rocking the baby, Ruby, ever so gently in her colic swing.

 

Zach mentioned, whether at home or the office, “we both want to be servant leaders where we create an environment where [those around us] are successful. And that’s how we approach relationships.”

 

That desire to both lead and serve is a core value, one that Zach has seen since growing the Kimley-Horn office in Utah as it developed from two people to 55 in his seven years there. “Everybody makes the coffee and takes the stuff to FedEx,” said Zach about the prioritization of “getting things done” instead of getting caught up in seniority or job titles.

 

Heather sees how that value manifests differently with her work managing contractor risk at CSDZ. Much like a supportive spouse, Heather said that she and the rest of CSDZ’s Utah office lean on the huge cache of resources the company has spread out around the country. It’s a huge benefit to the built environment in the Beehive State, keeping contractors insured and workers safe as they build up essential projects.

 

Even as she deftly manages clients and resources, Zach has been even more impressed by Heather’s selflessness. “What she does on a daily basis for our kids […] the amount of energy focused outside of herself outweighs everything.”

 

That energy comes through in funny ways, too. “There are always multiple dishes on her desk,” he said. As Heather, ever driven, seeks to tirelessly work for both her clients and her family, “she eats when she works. She’s always maximizing her time.”

 

As for Zach, Heather mentioned that she sees so much selflessness and care for his clients, highlighted by the people who approach her to rave about her husband. “At the AGC Convention, everyone came up to me telling me how much they love working with Zach,” she said.

 

Zach isn’t the only one receiving compliments, either. “It’s neat to hear other people talk about how much they love working with and collaborating with Heather,” said Zach. He knows how skilled she is at developing relationships within the industry. “The breadth of relationships she builds—contractors, consultants, subcontractors, and everyone involved … I’ve learned a lot from how she develops meaningful relationships.”

 

It’s a reflection of the hard work they put in both at home and the office. “Iron sharpens iron,” said Heather. “And we do that on a daily basis.”

 

That sharpening comes from dedication and accountability to themselves and others. “There’s not a disconnect from personal to professional,” said Heather. “Zach is great at everything that he puts his mind to. […] He’s incredibly selfless. He’s not afraid to recognize others’ successes.”

 

Zach recognizes that he feels sharpened seeing Heather’s drive. Whether dedicating her time to care for the needs of her clients in the office or those of her family at home, Zach says that Heather’s work ethic is tireless.

 

“We’re the same personally and professionally,” concluded Heather. “The people we would see outside of work would see us the same within work.”

 

They would see a driven, passionate, genuine, and, above all, dedicated couple. That both have garnered such high praise in Utah’s A/E/C industry should come as no surprise. Their pride in quality work, in genuine connection, and for trust and integrity will serve not only their relationship but this industry for decades to come.New Paragraph

Building Quality and Relationships Together

David and Amber Winn

 

What’s it like to build something with someone you love? Ask Amber and David Winn. They’ve devoted a significant portion of their lives to each other, having been married for around a quarter-century. The couple met when each was attending college in 1997, with Amber at BYU and David at the former Utah Valley State College, now Utah Valley University. After four months of dating, the couple wed in Oakland before moving to Logan.

 

Since those days up north, they’ve dedicated a good amount of their lives to their work. David has been with Wright Engineers for nearly 20 years, while Amber has been there for nearly 10. While David began as an engineer, today he is is the Vice President and Director of Operation in Utah, a title he has held for the last 15 years. Amber started with Wright Engineers as an administrative assistant before running business development as a Director of Business Development and Marketing, a role she’s now held since 2018. Each has excelled in their respective roles—a testament to the faith that each partner has in the other

 

It’s time to tease David, asking him between laughs if he was trying to pass on his past business development duties so he could focus on his professional love—structural engineering.

 

“I joke I ‘tricked’ her into business development,” he said. But it was never a trick, it was an awareness of the skills that Amber would bring to the role—listening, understanding, asking the right questions. “I knew she would do great [in business development] because of her personality.”

 

It’s one of the things he appreciates most about working with his wife. “Amber jumps in and wants to get it done,” he said. Her willingness to build relationships and do interpersonal work is so exemplary that Amber has become nearly synonymous with the company. As David told it, “When I tell people what company I work for, they’ll say something like, ‘Wright Engineers? Oh, I know them! I know Amber!’”

 

As one of the first people many meet in the industry, Amber truly does have the perfect personality for business development. She’s taken to this facet of the industry like a bird to flight and welcomed everyone else in with open arms.

 

David sees it every day, how his partner of 25 years has put her passion into this work of developing meaningful relationships with clients, vendors, trade partners, and project owners—a huge credit to her drive and interpersonal skills. “Sometimes, I tell her that these relationships take years,” David continued. But it doesn’t mean Amber is interested in waiting for those relationships to blossom. “She makes it look easy.”

 

Amber mentioned that she’s really taken to her work over the last five years. How has she taken to working with her partner over the last decade?

 

“David is the best boss ever,” she said, all smiles. “I’ve worked with him for 10 years and I will still say that.” She mentioned that David, as Director of Utah Operations, is steering the company to keep up its stellar reputation across the Beehive State.

 

“David takes quality to heart,” she continued. “He takes hard work as a part of his character and person. Everything he does is going to be his best.”

 

It’s more than just a supportive spouse saying it—it’s also her professional opinion while marketing for Wright Engineers. “When [I’m] trying to market something, I know who is behind it,” she expressed. “He is doing it for the sense of accomplishment. He’s always doing his best for others.”

 

The quality of work is a byproduct of the quality people the Winns and their coworkers attract and build up. A special point of pride for the couple is Wright Engineers’ reputation as a quality work environment. Zweig Group has rated them the “Best Structural Engineering Firm to Work For” since 2018.

 

So what’s next for the Winns? Personally, they want to keep enjoying their lives. They’ve built a quality life together wherever they’ve been—Provo, Logan, Las Vegas, St. George, and now Eagle Mountain, where they’ve lived for the past five years. No more moves, David said with a laugh, “Because I am not putting another yard in.”

 

As for their professional lives, David and Amber Winn are out to show off the quality of the work done by Wright Engineers. “Our mission is to be preferred consultant,” each said. They aim to be “the structural engineer everyone thinks of when they want the best.”New Paragraph

Q&A with Nathan Goodrich

By UC&D • August 1, 2025
Nathan Goodrich

100 Years & Five Generations

By Brad Fullmer • August 1, 2025
Paul founded Paulsen Construction in 1925 after immigrating from Norway 16 years prior. Sprague Library in Sugar House was originally built by Paul, and then restored nearly 100 years later, led by current President John Paulsen.

State of Industry; State of Progress

By Utah C&D • August 1, 2025
West Valley City Veteran’s Memorial Expansion Owner: West Valley City Architect: EDA Architects GC: Okland Construction Estimated Completion Date: September 2025

Showroom Showstopper

By Taylor Larsen • August 1, 2025
Commercial office is not dead. The market is alive and well, according to the design pros at HB Workplaces team. Their new office and showroom in Draper, and what it has done for employees and clients, is a case in point. All it took was a change in scenery. Transitioning from the B'Nai Israel Temple, built in 1890, to a new space was a welcome change for the team. "I just remember working between 2015 and 2020, and it was just," Keilian Meyer trailed off as he described the former office, a historic religious building converted into an office and showroom in 1987. Minimal natural lighting, rooms and layouts misaligned for team needs—their space wasn't bringing out anyone's best work. Meyer, Marketing Director for HB Workplaces, said going to work didn't engender a sense of engagement. "It was kind of punch in and punch out." But everything coalesced with their move. "The timing aligned perfectly," Meyer said of the June 2024 move and their rebrand from the year before from Henriksen/Butler to HB Workplaces. Dual Purposes Come to Life It aligned with every real estate broker's favorite word: location. Planting the HB Workplaces flag in the award-winning Baltic Pointe made perfect sense, especially with its epicenter locale between the booming economies of Salt Lake and Utah counties. HB Workplaces CEO Dave Colling summed it all up succinctly: "Our new headquarters is not just another building; it's a statement of our appreciation and stewardship of design, built upon decades-long heritage of our own, along with MillerKnoll, underscoring our commitment to excellence." The mass timber ceilings in HB Workplaces' first-floor office in Baltic Pointe—the first of their kind for a commercial building in Utah—are part of that commitment. Everything seems warmer, healthier, and better under the all-lumber ceiling. "We've always been drawn to inspiring architecture, and the natural warmth and intentionality of this structure made it a natural fit," said Meyer. HB Workplaces sought to make their mass timber home a showpiece for the beautiful and wide-ranging possibilities of today's commercial interiors, serving as an office for the HB Workplaces team and a showroom for interior designers and architects looking to envision their next project. That dual nature comes through perfectly across the space, with the showroom piece especially highlighted in the "Living Room" and its 382 SF of mid-century modern glory. The unforgettable Eames Lounge chair catches the eye, but closer inspection reveals some nods to the B'Nai Israel Temple's stained glass windows and other homages to the deep histories of the Herman Miller and Knoll brands. The room's mid-century-style lounge chairs, couches, ottomans, and side tables—all MillerKnoll line, of course—combine with gentle lighting to create the perfect spot for hosting. Brit Badger, HB Workplaces' VP of Client Development, explained how the Living Room is ideal for getting to know their design partners and clients, especially for a first meeting. "It's not all the same seating everywhere, like it would be at a conference room," she explained of how the varied seating choices—the Nelson Coconut Lounge Chair is often first dibs—help to create a relaxed and comfortable environment. "It's cool to see who chooses what. It's a fun way to start."

ASCE 2025 Report Card For Utah

By Brad Fullmer • August 1, 2025
Bragging about a “C+” might seem gauche, but Utah is one of only four states to earn that high a grade, according to the May 28 release by the Utah Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) of the 2025 Report Card for Utah’s Infrastructure. The cumulative “C+” for the Beehive State is the highest mark ever given by ASCE to any individual state—the report card itself spans 12 categories of infrastructure and is virtually unchanged from 2020 (ASCE issues report cards every four years). Utah's grade is also one step higher than the national infrastructure average grade of “C” in the ASCE 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which dropped in March. Roads (B+) and Bridges (B) remain the stars of the class, as the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) continues to receive consistent state funding in furthering its aggressive program of building new projects to meet ongoing demand, while diligently maintaining existing infrastructure. “Our transit and transportation are doing fabulous," said Anna Lisonbee, President of ASCE Utah and an Engineer-in-Training at South Jordan-based Hansen, Allen & Luce. “UDOT and UTA are lauded as some of the most efficient [organizations] nationwide, so we’re doing very well in that category.” Aviation infrastructure was the only category to see a grade increase—somewhat predictable given the sheer amount of capital investment made over the past decade at Salt Lake International Airport, Provo Airport, and other regional airports statewide. Three categories—bridges, s tormwater, and transit—saw grade decreases. The remaining eight categories held steady from 2020. "Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and state leaders have taken steps to ensure the reliability of infrastructure systems as more people move here to enjoy Utah's thriving communities, amazing outdoors, and high quality of life," said Craig Friant, Utah Civil Practice Lead for South Jordan-based Wilson & Company and Chair of the 2025 Report Card for Utah's Infrastructure. Utah grades per category: Roads: B+ Bridges: B Drinking Water, Solid Waste, Transit: B- Aviation, Dams, Hazardous Waste: C+ Stormwater, Wastewater: C Canals: D+ Levees: D-

Toward The Promised Land

By Taylor Larsen • August 1, 2025
"What gets you out of Egypt doesn't take you to the promised land." The quote, as I first heard it, came from Ron Dunn, Founder of Salt Lake structural engineering firm Dunn Associates. While he was talking about the differences between founding and growing a company, the same principle holds true in developing a robust transportation infrastructure. In other words: "What got us here will not take us there." What has taken us here has been development dedicated to personal vehicles and last-mile freight—a stellar network of roads and highways from massive investments in horizontal construction. But what will get us "there" to the promised land? What will bring us to a future where Utahns can have the freedom to move without a car? Unified Plan for a Connected Utah? We'll certainly wander in the West Desert without a plan. Lucky us, we have hundreds of agreed-upon proposals across metropolitan planning organizations, cities and towns, counties, and even the Utah Department of Transportation. The Beehive State's guiding document toward long-term transportation plans, whether for cars or not, is found in the Utah Unified Transportation Plan, also known as the Unified Plan. The visionary document aims to prioritize funding across multiple transportation options and give residents choices, ranging from personal vehicles to mass transit and active transportation. Residents and metropolitan planning organizations across the state have added their input to further unify the state's trajectory. Key in Utah's Unified Plan, as documented, is analyzing and ultimately determining how transportation projects in Utah should be funded between 2023 - 2050. With projected needs across that timeline estimated at $153 billion in today's dollars, current revenue sources generating just under a projected $95 billion, and future revenue streams projected to generate just over $18 billion, we're going to be short. But where is that money going? Most often, it's funding roads. According to the Unified Plan, transportation needs from road capacity, maintenance, preservation, and operations project at a whopping $110 billion between 2023 - 2050, with a $29 billion funding gap in revenue. Funding future mass transit capacity ($14.8 billion) and operations ($19.8 billion) over the next 25 years costs a fraction of the projected costs for roads and highways. It's an apples-to-oranges comparison, admittedly, as massive funding for highways and freeways has created so much, but where do state priorities lead? Budget at a Glance Utah continues to tread the asphalt and concrete highway to prioritize highway funding. UDOT's FY2026 funding document shows $2.5 billion in funding. Estimated Transportation Investment Fund (TIF) expenditures, primarily used for improving or optimizing capacity, are projected at $1.2 billion. Within the TIF, Class B & Class C Roads, county roads and city streets, respectively, will receive $261 million, Highway Systems Construction $205 million, and Operations/Maintenance $254 million. It makes sense when $883 million in projected revenue for FY2026 comes from user-based fees, permits, and gas tax revenues (set to be 40 cents per gallon in 2026). On the other hand, UDOT-funded mass transit receives a bulk of its budget from the above-mentioned Transportation Investment Fund—35% of the index fuel tax sales tax goes into the Transit Transportation Investment Fund. For FY2026, transit and commuter rail projects will receive $103 million. John Gleason, UDOT's Sr. Public Information Officer, said there is a major shift happening within UDOT over the last decade-plus to give some "gas" to other forms of transportation. "All transportation is important to us. For every project we undertake, we are looking at the different components across all modes—cars, transit, bikes, trails," Gleason said. "We need to keep an eye on how the entire transportation system can function across the state." The words and shift in priorities are welcome, but what "Keeps Utah Moving", will not be more highway lanes or highway construction that receives the lion's share of transportation funding. Utah highways, like those in so many other states, are the victims of induced demand. The phenomenon is a matter of economics. For vehicle transportation, each lane added, highway developed, or road widened helps to expand capacity on these newly modified transportation corridors. However, expanding capacity does not mean solving traffic concerns. While capacity expands, more people are "induced" to use these freshly expanded corridors, lanes fill back to capacity, and commutes return to their sluggish nature. This never-ending quest to meet our transportation needs is set to play out again on I-15. UDOT is set to add another lane on I-15 from Farmington to Salt Lake, and do so at a multi-billion-dollar price tag. Surely this lane will be "The One" that fixes the traffic problem on Utah's busiest transit corridor? Utah may still be adjusting to roundabouts, but will we ever get out of this circle?

Limitless Sky

By Brad Fullmer • August 1, 2025
Standing atop the now-tallest building in Utah—the dynamic 451-foot, 680,000-SF Astra Tower in downtown Salt Lake City—Lance Shields was succinct in describing the otherworldly, 360-degree views available from the 41st-floor rooftop patio. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” mused Shields, a Principal with Salt Lake-based HKS Architects and one of a half-dozen architects on HKS’ team who contributed to the design of Astra Tower, which features 377 total units, two levels of penthouse suites, and more than 40,000-SF of top-shelf amenity space. Peering southeast to majestic views of the Wasatch Mountains, Shields referenced the striking cantilever structure gracing the building’s southeast corner—a concession that preserved the breathtaking view by eliminating what would have been a structural column. Adding this approximately $2 million change to the bottom line only further illustrated the owner’s desire for a world-class luxury apartment tower. “The uninterrupted views of the valley are really breathtaking at the top floor and is the one thing that visitors I have taken through the project consistently comment on as the best experience they have had,” said Shields, adding that it would have been easy to justify a column in that corner. “I have to hand it to the vision of our team and the owner to see the value of the views and taking steps to preserve it.” Indeed, Boston-headquartered Kensington Investment Company (KIC) had been eyeing the Salt Lake market since 2017, ready to make a splash. In 2018, it purchased the site once home to Carl’s Jr. and hired HKS in 2019 to get the ball rolling on the design side. The pandemic forced KIC to pause its timeline, with construction formally kicking off in January 2022, led by Salt Lake-based Jacobsen Construction. “We were taking an enormous risk and writing a massive check while making sure we had as many people with experience on our team as we practically could,” said Ed Lewis, CEO of KIC. “We asked ourselves if Salt Lake City was ready for this kind of product—with no [like-building comparisons] to look to—while making the project financially successful. Putting together the capital stack with no comps in the state, and ensuring the team knew what they were doing, was challenging.” Engagement with the community was a priority from the start, said Shane Rensmon, President of Real Estate Development for KIC, as was finding local A/E/C firms with the moxie to take on a unique hybrid design-build project of this magnitude, a delivery method “not common in Salt Lake City, but common across major markets,” he said. “Ownership wanted to utilize local consultants and vendors as much as possible to get the community involved and engaged with the project, which presented new challenges in designing and constructing Astra Tower,” said Rensmon. “We leveraged [KIC’s] skills and experiences to help guide the design and construction teams on issues that they have not seen before or had little to no experience in.” Hotel-like Vibe with Unmatched Amenities Emir Tursic is no stranger to massive projects, having cut his teeth in the hospitality realm as a draftsman-turned-project architect for HKS on Block A of the enormous $10 billion MGM City Center project in Las Vegas from 2007-2008, which included the 61-story, 600,000-SF Aria Hotel. “It was a project I grew up very quickly with,” recalled Tursic, Office Director for HKS’ Salt Lake office, who ended up managing part of the project before it ended. “After this, I could go to the moon and not be scared of anything.” Even amidst the challenges for Tursic and his team, Astra Tower proved to be one of the most exciting, generational opportunities in the realm of world-class residential high-rise design that—ho-hum—also sets a record as the state’s tallest-ever building. “We wanted to create a sustainable urban community that focuses on wellness and sustainability,” said Tursic. “Sustainability is not just about energy and carbon footprint, it’s also [about] health and wellness and the environment. We have this huge amenity program—40,000 SF of indoor and outdoor amenities space focused on physical and mental health.” Tursic said dispersing major amenities across three building levels was a key functional design consideration. Level 8 kicks things off with an expansive club lounge that includes a demonstration kitchen and entertainment area, a state-of-the-art fitness center where views overlook Gallivan Plaza, a remote office space with a conference room and meeting rooms, and what Tursic calls “The bonus space”—an expansive 10,000 SF outdoor urban park. “Instead of a roof on top of the eight-story parking structure, we created a space with an outdoor lawn, hammocks, fire pits, grills—it’s a great social space for Astra’s residential community,” he said. Level 23 includes the outdoor pool and indoor spa, highlighted by a wellness center, steam room, sauna, recovery spas, treatment rooms, and private locker rooms. The pool deck overlook offers excellent views of the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. Level 41 tops the amenity spaces—literally—with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment area, and a spacious outdoor viewing deck that looks down on Salt Lake’s adjacent tallest buildings. “We wanted to provide a variety of experiences,” said Tursic. “The 41st floor is meant for quiet and solitude.” ROAM Interior Design of Los Angeles provided interior design on every level. "With Astra Tower, we set out to design interiors that reflect both the soul and natural beauty of Utah, infused with the energy of modern city living," said Deanne Teeter, Design Director at ROAM. “Every amenity—from the tranquil spa on the 23rd floor to the rooftop lounge with panoramic views—is intentionally crafted to foster wellness through biophilic connection and a true sense of home in the sky." “Astra Tower was purposefully designed to exemplify KIC's commitment to o perating market-leading apartment buildings, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and an unwavering dedication to service excellence,” said Joe Bird, Vice President of Real Estate Development for KIC. “This intentional design ensures an unparalleled living experience, blending sophisticated facilities with exceptional resident-focused service to set a new standard for urban residential excellence in Utah.”

One for the Ages

By Brad Fullmer • August 1, 2025
Ralph L. Wadsworth watches demolition activity on the I-80/1300 East Bridge Slide in August 2023 with granddaughter, Bradynn Wadsworth (Tod’s daughter), illustrating his genuine passion for construction. (all photos courtesy RLW Construction)

Community First

By Taylor Larsen • August 1, 2025
First. Best. Leader. These are some of the many positive ways people described the late Marshall White, the civic hero and namesake of Ogden's past and future community centers. Marshall White is remembered as the first black police officer in Utah killed in the line of duty after being fatally shot in 1963. Equally important was his dedication to other causes outside of police work: the loving father of seven children; veteran and military doctor who helped establish a clinic at Hill Air Force Base post-WWII; youth mentor who partnered with the Elk's Club to establish the Wall Avenue Recreation Center; President of the Ogden chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Marshall White embodied community, and the original Marshall White Community Center, constructed five years after he died in 1968, was its physical manifestation. The building became a safe haven for youth, especially those with darker skin and different ethnicities from those of Utah "pioneer" ancestry, to learn to swim, take art classes, and participate in sports. But as time passed, the building fell into disrepair as Ogden's population shrank from the 1970s through the 1980s. Structural issues in the building appeared before a crack in the pool grew into a metaphorical chasm as COVID and its effects further disconnected society. Ogden needed champions who would follow in White's footsteps to bring people together, and create a space that would continue his community-building legacy. New Center; Relit Community Beacon Salt Lake-based VCBO was hired in 2020 to evaluate the old facility and propose future alternatives. It began, as VCBO Principal Brent Tippets described, "to replace a failing pool and building. […] It quickly became apparent that this community revolved around the Marshall N. White Community Center as both a gathering space and a historical icon for all minorities and people of humble circumstances." "Budget is always a challenge, but perhaps meeting all the affected parties' expectations was more so," said Tippets. "What was originally a pool and gymnasium replacement became a versatile destination with a plethora of participation options. He and the VCBO team worked with an Ogden City-appointed steering committee of passionate residents who provided valuable input on the importance and utilization of recreation and community spaces. "The Mayor, City Council, and City administration were committed to funding the project at the required level to achieve the grander vision for the facility," said Tippets. The Ogden City Council initially set aside $18 million and later increased the budget to $32 million for a new, 68,900-SF community building, doubling the size of the previous structure. Construction Challenges But challenges arose as soon as excavation commenced. Construction teams led by Vernal-based BHI encountered a dark, organic-looking soil that was previously undiscovered in geotechnical test borings. The surprise soil raised immediate concerns due to its lack of stability and reliability in compaction. BHI's history as an industrial contractor, where safety and lightning-fast communication are treasured, escalated the soil problems immediately. They collaborated and aligned with ownership, geotechnical engineers, and designers amidst evolving conditions to create a plan. Instead of utilizing native soils as initially planned, excavation teams removed the unsuitable material and imported structural fill from Ogden and nearby Plain City to meet compaction and bearing requirements, all while maintaining oh-so-important project momentum. "Working with Ogden City involved a different set of communication and coordination protocols than our typical projects," said BHI Superintendent Scot Marrot. "There was a greater emphasis on public transparency and adherence to specific city regulations. However, it was incredibly fulfilling to collaborate with the city officials who were passionate about providing a valuable resource for their community. The partnership fostered a strong sense of shared purpose and pride in the final outcome."

Daybreak: Then and Now

By Taylor Larsen • August 1, 2025
Thoughtful consideration on Oquirrh Lake transformed the initial idea for the water feature into a community and ecological asset. The 67-acre lake weaves around the 130-acre recreation space, residential area, and wildlife habitat. (Main rendering and photo pictured courtesy LHM)