AGC of Utah Celebrates Century Mark
Venerable association plays a significant role in shaping the construction industry and making
contractors better throughout the Beehive State.
By Brad Fullmer
One of the largest and most powerful association chapters in Utah, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Utah, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. It capped a whirlwind two months of activity as the chapter hosted its annual convention at Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City from January 20–21.
As the “voice of the construction industry,” the AGC prides itself on supporting 6,500-plus qualified national construction firms and industry-related companies dedicated to “skill, integrity, and responsibility.”
“The AGC of Utah has a lot to be proud of as it celebrates its first 100 years of successfully serving the state's construction industry,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of the AGC of America (AGCA). “The work this chapter is doing to recruit and train the next generation of construction professionals is inspiring, and its advocacy work is admirable. But the most impressive accomplishment for this chapter is how successful it has been in encouraging members to be active and engaged.”
Record-level numbers of AGC of Utah members and associates attended the popular two-day event. According to long-time President/CEO Rich Thorn, the high attendance indicates society’s desire to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.
Thorn said attendance at the four major convention events—capped by Friday night’s Installation Banquet that saw Troy Thompson of Salt Lake City-based Big-D Construction installed as AGC’s 2022 Chair—topped 2,000 people combined. According to Thorn, the chapter is as active and productive as ever, noting the recent ribbon-cutting of the AGC’s new 16,000-SF training center in November.
Thorn admitted that he’d been eyeing this convention for several years, given the significance of the century mark, combined with it being his second-to-last convention as President/CEO before he retires next March.
“When you create new logos and new backdrops and poster boards, there is a little different feel because it is 100 years,” said Thorn as he viewed the bustling activity before the afternoon luncheon. This year marked Thorn’s 42nd overall convention and 40th as AGC of Utah's top executive; his first handful were at the historic Hotel Utah in the early 80s, also the site of the first-ever AGC convention in Utah on January 9, 1922.
“Every convention is special; 100 is just extra special,” Thorn remarked. “It’s something to get excited about.”
AGC of Utah 2021 Chair, Scott Okelberry of Clyde Companies, conducted each meeting and spoke glowingly about the current state of the industry from an economic standpoint, despite inherent challenges associated with labor, supply chains, safety, and yes, Covid. He acknowledged the work that goes into planning such an event and praised the overall efforts of the convention committee and AGC staff.
“It’s truly been an honor to serve as Chairman of AGC this past year—I can’t believe a whole year has gone by already, and what a year it has been,” said Okelberry. "Despite [the] challenges, the economy in Utah is growing and booming. Unemployment is at a record low. There are jobs everywhere, revenues are up for most, and many companies are seeing record levels of revenues and profitability. The state of Utah is strong. It’s well-run and prosperous—it’s the envy of other states.”
Okelberry said the Utah chapter is financially sound and thriving, with an increase of 90 new members in 2021, earning it a coveted Howard J. Mock Membership Growth award from AGCA in September. He gushed about the completion of the training center and its positive impact on future workforce training.
“In many ways, these are days never to be forgotten,” he added. “AGC of Utah has a tremendous 100-year past, a strong present, and a promising future. This is your association. We’re friends, and we are competitors. We like each other, and on occasion, we curse each other, but we always respect each other. We learn from each other and we look out for each other. We build the buildings and infrastructure of our communities in this great state, and there is nothing we can’t accomplish when we put our mind to it.”
Welling Honored with Eric W. Ryberg Award; Thompson to Serve as 2022 Chair
Doug Welling, 2018 AGC of Utah Chairman and former President/CEO of Salt Lake-based Jacobsen Construction, was presented with the Eric W. Ryberg Award for a career spanning nearly 45 years, including 34 at Jacobsen.
His upbringing included hundreds of hours irrigating and pruning fruit trees his father had planted. It was that work that sparked the younger Welling's interest in construction. He earned a Construction Management degree from Brigham Young University before he and his wife, Martha, set out for Houston, then Boise, before joining Jacobsen Construction in 1986.
Welling’s first major project management job at Jacobsen was the Salt Lake City and County Building base isolation. The job required 447 rubber blocks placed under the building to isolate it from ground movement. Other major projects included base isolation work on the Utah State Capitol, the Gunnison State Prison, and a project for Micron Technologies in Lehi. He joked that many of their eight children were born during a milestone project, and he thanked his family for their commitment to his work in the industry.
Welling also thanked his “second family” at Jacobsen, where he worked together with many committed professionals to “create some pretty amazing things.”
“As I think about the work done in this industry and the people involved, it sends a chill up my spine,” Welling said. “I commend you for the great work you do and congratulate you for the awards you’ve won, and for the great work you’re doing in our communities to build them up and make them better. It’s really fun to be part of this industry. I appreciate the Associated General Contractors, and to realize we’re celebrating 100 years is pretty special.”
The celebration of Welling continued via colleagues like the current President/CEO of Jacobsen Construction, Gary Ellis.
“Doug has always had a special way of keeping all of us at Jacobsen truly focused on excellence and consistency in our work as builders,” Ellis said. “Not just builders of structures, but of people and communities. That caring approach has left a far-reaching legacy at our company.”
Thompson, the new Chairman, followed, accepting the honorary “AGC Hammer” (formerly gavel) from Okelberry, and thanked him and Immediate Past Chair, Darin Zwick, President of Zwick Construction, for their time serving together on the Executive Committee. He also took the time to recognize many past AGC Presidents/Chairs in the crowd and had them stand.
“Every day is different,” said Thompson about the construction industry. “It keeps you motivated and interested.” He mentioned the challenges of dealing with Covid but praised local industry leaders for their collective response in helping government officials recognize construction as an essential industry, which kept it humming at a time when other businesses languished because of shutdowns.
Thompson said finding qualified people, especially with unemployment numbers in the state just over 2%, will be the top industry challenge in 2022 and beyond. He expressed a need to communicate more effectively with colleges, universities, and high schools about the benefits of working in construction, with many high-paying, rewarding careers ready to be filled.
He mentioned the AGC’s “We Build Utah” campaign that started a year ago, which aims to broaden the promotional reach of construction-related firms and encourage firms to get involved.
“For years, the industry has faced a skilled workforce shortage,” said Thompson. “Together, let’s work together to help solve this problem. It’s going to take years to find and develop craftspeople we need for the future.”
Thompson also expressed his humility at the opportunity to serve as Chair of an influential association. He referenced the “Hall of Fame”—photo plaques of each past AGC Chair dating back to 1922.
“It gives me goosebumps when I walk in there and see all these gentle giants that run really big companies that build massive projects that change the face of Utah,” he said. “I’m super proud to be part of that rich history. The growth of AGC of Utah—we’re just shy of 600 members—allows us to work together seamlessly to tackle the challenges of our time and have the best minds in the industry to collaborate. It’s a neutral zone where we can break down the walls as competitors and get together and figure out what the challenges are. […] Together we’ll strengthen the backbone of our industry and preserve the AGC for its next century.”
An Association for All
One of the hallmarks of the AGC of Utah is its member diversity—defined by its unique ability to attract the interest of talented people across all walks of the A/E/C industry. General contractors fill all major leadership roles, but subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers also contribute mightily to AGC’s success.
And while many of its past executive committee leaders and board members are drawn from larger, top revenue-producing firms, executives from smaller firms have been able to have their voice heard and contribute equally in key decision-making processes.
A good example of this is the service of past Presidents Bill Garff (1994) and Wilford Clyde (1999).
Garff was President/CEO of Salt Lake-based Garff Construction, a small, family-owned general building contractor that was originally founded in 1911. His service to the AGC—both to the local and national chapters—spanned nearly two decades, including time as a board member, President, and as an elected board member for AGCA.
Garff’s family roots in the AGC run deep, evidenced by its lifetime achievement award being named the “Eric W. Ryberg Award” after Garff’s grandfather. His father, Mark B. Garff, was active in AGC while Bill was in high school in the 50s.
He joined AGC somewhat reluctantly in 1980, but once he started participating, he gave it his all.
“I remember Rich Thorn calling me and asking what’s the mark I want to leave on the AGC,” said Garff about his time as President. “I had no particular agenda; they invited me to run for the office. I was honored and thought, ‘Well, I’ll do it and do my best.’ AGC of Utah is well-respected and has been from the beginning.”
Clyde is the CEO/Chair of the Clyde Companies in Orem, one of the largest construction-related firms in the Intermountain West with approximately 4,500 employees. He is one of several Clyde family members to serve as President/Chair. His grandfather, company founder/patriarch W.W. Clyde, was President of AGC in 1939, exactly 60 years prior to his time at the helm.
“The AGC was a big deal in our family,” Clyde said, with his parents attending the convention annually for as long as he could remember.
Clyde, who started his formal career in the family business at Geneva Rock before assuming his current role in 2002, served two different stints on the AGC board (eight years total). He always enjoyed associating with strong-minded, hard-working industry titans.
“I knew a lot of well-known contractors at a young age,” said Clyde. “Being in the ready-mix business, a lot of the contractors were our customers, while on the heavy/civil side they were our competitors. I was aware of who everybody was. It was fun to go through the AGC’s convention magazine and look at the past Presidents. Most of the guys over the last 40 years, I knew who they were, or know them personally.”
For Clyde, Garff, Thompson, and their colleagues, both membership and fellow leadership in AGC of Utah continues to be a source of strength as the construction industry pushes forward great projects in the Beehive State.
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
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."
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. 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?
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)
