Perfect Calling
The face of Utah's AGC chapter for four decades, Rich Thorn's positive impact on Utah's construction industry has been nothing short of legendary.
Capitalizing on his family’s good name—and his own gregarious, optimistic nature and personal charm—Rich Thorn has been among the most prominent advocates of Utah’s construction industry for more than 40 years.
As the President/CEO of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Utah, Thorn has been the proverbial face of the association since assuming the title of its top executive in October 1982—just before reaching 25 years of age. It has proven to be a role tailor-made to his
skills, education, and upbringing.
“Every day is a great day,” Thorn exclaimed during an early February phone call to discuss how he was feeling after AGC of Utah’s 100th-anniversary convention. Besides it being the coveted century mark in time, this year's event was particularly special to Thorn due to the remarkable turnout and energy level of those who attended.
“Our numbers [of attendees] were above those of pre-Covid numbers, and couple that with the companies who were sponsors, we were really happy with the turnout,” he said.
It was also significant in that it was his second-to-last AGC convention, as Thorn, 65, recently announced his retirement, effective at the end of the state’s legislative session in March 2023.
“I’d be less than honest if I didn’t feel some bit of nostalgia,” he said. “This is the next to last one; there is a lot of sentimental value, as I’ve been through a lot of these.”
Over the past couple of years, Thorn has been gradually handing over the reins of the chapter to long-time AGC of Utah Vice President Joey Gilbert, with Melissa Camp, Director of Finance and Administration, also filling a vital staff role. Gilbert and Camp were hired in 1997 and 2003, respectively, and have more than 40 years combined experience, yet are acutely aware it’s going to be challenging filling Thorn’s shoes.
“He’s the eternal optimist, liked by everyone,” said Gilbert, trying to sum up Thorn’s character in a few words. “He’s always upbeat and treats everyone like a best friend. I get that comment all the time.”
“I’ve been trying to convince him not to leave,” laughed Camp. “He cares—that’s the biggest thing. And cares not just professionally, but about your personal life. We’re calling this his ‘farewell tour.’ It’s hard for him 100% to step back, but he’s trying. He’s trying to take it all in and enjoy it.”
Ideal Upbringing included Construction and Politics
A native of Springville, a relatively small Utah town with a rich history of heavy/civil contractors, Thorn was born into a prominent construction family. Great-grandfather Ashel O. Thorn started Thorn Construction in the 1920s, with grandfather Paul Thorn (AGC of Utah President in 1947) and great-uncle Grant Thorn also running the firm for many years, before it closed in 1981.
His father, James (Jim) Thorn, worked at the company for many years as a laborer, heavy equipment operator, foreman, and superintendent/project manager. Fond memories from Rich’s youth include staying at motels during the summer in towns like Orderville in southern Utah and Delle in Utah’s west desert, while Jim managed paving jobs.
Thorn spent summers in high school and college working at Thorn Construction, learning how to operate loaders, dozers, and asphalt pavers—great hands-on experience of what happens in the field.
“For me, that’s always been helpful because I can relate to what that’s like,” he said. “I will never forget the guy wallowing in the mud, laying pipe, making it happen on the job site. That’s where the work gets done.”
One powerful early memory came via a job site visit with Grandpa Paul, on a day with rather inclement weather.
“It was a lousy, rainy, bad day,” Thorn recalled. “We pulled onto the job and Grandpa Paul was the executive. He was wearing brand new Florsheim shoes. He got out of the car and walked through the mud to shake the ‘Cat skinner’s hand. I will never forget that. He saw the value of the people he worked with, and that’s the term, he worked with them. The Thorn name meant a lot in the construction industry; our company had a good reputation.”
On the flip side, his mother, Karen, was perhaps even more influential on Thorn, given her vast political clout and lengthy career that included working for two U.S. Congressmen and two U.S. Senators for 35 combined years, in addition to serving on multiple community and political organizations. She was sharp, with an infectious smile and a keen ability to connect with people of all persuasions.
Karen’s career included working in Washington D.C., which uprooted the family from tiny Springville and had them living in the nation’s capital from 1961–1964, Thorn’s first three years in elementary school.
The experience was magical for young Rich, with “family field trips” most weekends to different historical U.S. sites. He’s been to D.C. dozens of times throughout his professional adult life. He cites D.C. as perhaps his favorite city.
“He’s his mother, through and through,” said Thorn’s wife of 43 years, Sherrie. “He’s got his dad’s [gift of gab] skills—he likes to talk—but he’s got his mom’s kindness. His mom was just genuine.”
Karen’s ties helped Thorn effectively navigate Utah’s political waters at an early age, and his 40 years of lobbying on Utah’s Capitol Hill has been consistent and effective, year after year. He’s been resigning from various labor and pension boards and other workforce and industry committees (upwards of 15-plus during peak years) while having Gilbert step in to fill the void.
“It’s all part of the plan,” Thorn said. “It’s flattering to be called by the Governor to serve on a board or as a chair of a committee. I feel obligated to serve and I’ll give it my best. It’s nice to have people ask for your opinion.”
Thorn remains engaged in this year’s legislative session, having been to Capitol Hill three times, and is reading legislation, giving input, and suggesting amendments while Gilbert is running point.
“I’m up there as his wingman,” said Thorn. “We talk every day. That’s part of the [transition] process. It’s been a bit of a learning curve for me to sit back.”
Family First
Thorn said the single greatest benefit of working for the AGC, for himself and Sherrie, was being able to comfortably raise their family of four children. They met at Dixie College in 1976—Thorn was on scholarship playing football and baseball—and married in June 1978.
In the fall of 1980, he got wind of a staff assistant position at AGC of Utah and was hired to work under Horace (Hod) Gunn on September 15. It proved to be a great fit, with Thorn’s construction background and jovial nature making him an instant asset to the association. When Gunn announced his retirement less than two years later, both Thorn and his wife felt he was ready to take over as AGC’s top executive. They weren’t sure the Executive Committee and Board of Directors felt the same way about a 25-year-old, but they were optimistic at his chances, nonetheless.
“We were hoping and praying he’d get it,” recalled Sherrie, “but he still had to compete with everyone else. He had an advantage because he had the [staff assistant] job for two years. He was a young buck, but he had the family name and he loved the job. He was a perfect fit.”
Thorn remembers interviewing with the search committee, including Walter Christiansen, Allen Young, John Tempest, and committee chair Ted Jacobsen. They told him, “We’re going to give a young guy a chance,” according to Thorn. “I believe the Thorn name and my mom’s political prowess neutralized the ‘He’s too young’ discussion. I knew a lot of [AGC] members on a first-name basis before I ever walked in the door. I also brought something they recognized—potential.”
He was named Executive Manager (later called Executive VP, then President/CEO in 2000) in October 1982 and poured his soul into the job. The construction industry was struggling at the time, with Utah and the US still reeling economically from the fallout after the Savings and Loan crisis.
“Life from September to January, they are so busy,” Sherrie said about convention prep. “It’s just nuts. It’s a lot of work for Rich, Melissa, Joey, and the staff. It’s crazy. That ends, and lobbying at the Capitol begins. Lobbying is not so bad now, but back in the day, Rich was (at the Capitol) morning, noon, and night.”
She credits Camp and Gilbert for their hard work and contributions to making the association better over the past two-plus decades. “Rich couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “They are his right and left hand—they’re a team.”
Chips Off the ‘Ol Block
Thorn’s three sons—Cody, Brady, and Tyler—all ended up pursuing careers with ties to the construction industry, and speak glowingly of their father’s impact on their respective success.
“Everything I do has been by observing how my dad handles and treats people,” said Brady, Sr. Vice President at Murray-based Beehive Insurance. “As a result of that, my career has been very successful. I believe in the ‘Golden Rule’—you treat the janitor and the CEO with the same level of respect. People like it when they are appreciated and valued. I know my clients’ wives and friends, their victories and successes.”
“I was literally raised by the AGC,” said Tyler, Area Manager for Bridge Source. “I’ve attended conventions, conferences, and golf tournaments in a stroller, and now I attend those same functions with my wife, and we’ve taken our babies to conventions.”
Tyler continued, “From a son’s perspective, he has always been a selfless person. He was always available, always willing to help. You can tell that work meant a lot to him and he was good at it, but we were the top priority. He would move heaven and earth to go to anything we did—scout camps, baseball tournaments, everything. He’s available if I need to bounce an idea off him, but we always talk about other things …sports, politics. He’s well-rounded in that regard.”
“His support has been amazing with me starting a new company,” said Cody, who founded Thorn Milling & Construction in 2018. “I reached out to him many times if I was having a hard time with a particular project. He’s always told me to be calm and collected and keep your composure. People jump to conclusions way too quickly. Treat people the way you want to be treated, and surround yourself with people who will make you a better person.”
Cody added, “I’ve never seen dad lose his cool. Also, when it comes to his leadership role at AGC, people look up to him. They learn from him. When he speaks, he demands your attention. Plus, he’s a phenomenal listener.”
Thorn said he’s proud of his sons’ career accomplishments thus far, and also wanted to give a shout out to his daughter, Shelbie, and her husband, Chris Curtis. Shelbie and Chris are the proud parents of three children and reside in Salt Lake County. Shelbie said her father’s strong work ethic and ability to make friends are among his hallmarks, but “work was work, family came first.” As she got to be a teenager and hanging out with friends, her dad used to tell her “remember who you are. It’s just stuck with me. I’m a Thorn and we take pride in our name. I’m doing that now with my kids.”
A Legacy of Excellence
The AGC has long attracted the “best of the best” from Utah-based general contractors to lead the chapter, including company owners, presidents, CEOs, and other high-ranking executives that fill various executive committee and board of director positions annually.
So Thorn, needless to say, has worked with hundreds of talented, influential people over the years, spanning every type of construction—from general builders to highway and utility contractors, and everyone in between. Praise for his inclusive nature and effectiveness as the chapter’s long-time leader is found in spades.
“He’s an ‘A-game’ type of guy—and he does it with a smile on his face,” said Bob Tempest, former Vice President for Murray-based Tempest Enterprises, and a long-time advocate of AGC of Utah who served as Chair in 2011, and as a Lifetime Director for a decade.
“Rich has always demonstrated that he’s in the service of the industry,” said Tom Case, former Granite Construction executive and 2005 AGC of Utah Chair, who now operates TCM Services in Park City. “It’s through that service that he adds value to the members, and it’s why people keep coming back.”
Case, who also served as Director of the Highway/Transportation Division for AGC of America in 2014, said Thorn’s impact is recognized nationally by other chapters.
“I got to see other [AGC] chapters and how they do things, and I would say Utah is one of the best in the country, and that is a direct reflection on Rich, Joey, and the team.”
“To his fellow chapter executives, he is always willing to share what he and the Utah AGC does that is successful. At the same time, he’s not hesitant to listen and learn about what others are doing and bring that back to Utah,” said Ken Naquin, CEO of the AGC of Louisiana. “Rich has that innate sense of what makes an individual special and recognizes how to engage that talent. Rich has always positioned Utah AGC to be supportive of AGC of America—that is not easy to do.”
“I’m impressed with the network of people he cultivates and the relationships he maintains,” said Scott Parson, CEO of Staker Parson Materials & Construction of Ogden and 2022 AGC of Utah Vice Chair. “The construction industry is all about connection and relationships, and Rich epitomizes that.”
“Rich is one-of-a-kind and so focused on making our industry better,” said Rob Moore, Executive Chairman for Salt Lake-based Big-D Construction and 2010 AGC of Utah Chair. “He gets things done. He knows who to tap and who to talk to.”
“It’s easy to say good things about Rich,” said Doug Welling, former President/CEO of Jacobsen Construction of Salt Lake City and 2018 AGC of Utah Chair. “Rich has been interested, capable, invested, and energetic about our industry for many years. He never gets tired, never gets offended. He’s always at the forefront making things happen.”
Welling, who also took construction management courses at BYU with Thorn all those years ago, noted that a new slate of leaders is elected each year, and each person who serves as Chair has an agenda. Thorn’s ability to help new leaders maximize their calling is second to none.
Doug Watts, the former President/CEO of St. George-based Watts Construction and 2014 AGC of Utah Chair, expressed his appreciation for Thorn’s influence on his personal life.
“Rich came into my life at one of my darkest periods [...] and helped me believe I was still relevant,” said Watts. “He is generous, charitable, and never lets anyone down. He has been the best fit to lead the AGC of Utah […] and built it into a powerful, well-respected organization. He is a very good friend.”
“There are a lot of unique and wonderful things about Rich,” said Scott Okelberry, Executive Vice President and COO of Orem-based Clyde Companies, who served as 2021 AGC of Utah Chair. “As the President of this organization, he’s unmatched. We go to regional and national chapter leadership meetings and there are a lot of good leaders out there, but nobody stands above Rich Thorn. We’re fortunate in this industry to have a leader like him, somebody with his level of experience, his personality, his assertiveness, and his vision of this association. As he prepares to ride off into the sunset in just over a year, we have a very capable successor in Joey Gilbert, who is fully ready to take the reins.”
“It is difficult to imagine AGC and our Utah chapter without Rich,” said Stephen Sandherr, CEO of AGC of America. “He is such a tremendous force of nature, constantly plugging away at his job with his sunny disposition. He has definitely helped shape our association for the better, and is one of our better known and widely-respected chapter leaders. Filling his shoes won’t be easy, but if there is one thing we have learned about the AGC of Utah, there is no challenge too big for the chapter to overcome.”
Thorn was wistful in trying to sum up his AGC career.
“This has been a part of my genome for two-thirds of my life,” he said. “It’s filled with great memories. There will be some things I’ll miss. But I’ll look back and say we accomplished some pretty good things. I was the luckiest guy ever in that I got to do a job I absolutely loved.”
Nathan Goodrich
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.
West Valley City Veteran’s Memorial Expansion Owner: West Valley City Architect: EDA Architects GC: Okland Construction Estimated Completion Date: September 2025
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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-
"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. 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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.”
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)
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."
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)
