Limitless Sky

Salt Lake City’s skyline-busting Astra Tower soars at 41 stories and 451 feet, with a sleek, modern style and unmatched 40,000 SF of amenity space.
By Brad Fullmer

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 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 operating 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.”

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Project Targets LEED Gold and WELL Certification

To top it all off, one of the greatest “amenities” is typically not viewed as a perk: a sophisticated air filtering system. Using hospital-grade MERV 13 filters, the system filters air from a singular location before distributing it to units and public areas. Each room also features thermostats with air quality sensors and operable windows. 


Another unique environmental feature that has rightfully garnered attention is Astra Tower’s custom air quality beacon—hailed as the first of its kind—that sits atop the building. The beacon connects to Utah Clean Air (UCAIR) sensors that report current conditions via color-changing LED lights, an effective way to educate the public on real-time air quality.


Sustainability has long been one of Lewis’s hot buttons as company CEO, with Astra as a towering example. KIC went all-out in an effort to achieve LEED Gold certification (slated for 2026), a worthy goal for a project of this magnitude.


“A key priority was achieving a sustainable design that meets or exceeds the LEED Gold standard,” said Bird. “This commitment reflects the Lewis Family's dedication to environmental responsibility, occupant well-being, and long-term operational efficiency.”


Additional environmental stewardship measures include low-flow water fixtures, which help the project achieve a 35% reduction in baseline water usage. Energy-efficient MEP systems, LED lighting, low-VOC materials, and electric charging stations further contribute to sustainability. 


In addition to LEED Gold, Astra Tower has earned WELL Certification for its wellness initiatives focused on occupant health and well-being, highlighted by cool biophilic spaces and the mid-level urban park.

Overcoming Construction Challenges & Logistics

Having completed the nearby 24-story Liberty Sky high-rise apartment tower in December 2021, Salt Lake-based Jacobsen Construction had a pretty good idea of what to expect on another high-rise, other than the fact that Astra Tower was considerably higher at 41 stories tall. The owner also expected a phased completion.


According to Doug Carley, Jacobsen Sr. Project Manager, the team spent 10 months developing a logistics plan associated with early occupancy to establish fire/life safety systems, public access, fire access, and construction access. The team engaged in early conversations with city officials, fire marshal representatives, key trade partners, KIC, and the property manager to identify buffer levels, parking requirements, laydown and staging areas, elevator availability, shared use with back-of-house areas, and more. The plan was finalized and approved by all interested parties in preparation for the early opening of the low/mid-rise portion as active construction progressed on upper sections.


“The challenges with phased opening required all team members, including the local municipalities, to collaborate in a way that ultimately benefitted Astra Tower and the built community,” said KIC’s Rensmon. “It shows that large-scale projects like this can be opened safely and in a way that benefitted the ownership team and early move-in tenants.”


Vertical transportation and site logistics, Carley continued, were ever-present concerns. “We knew from the beginning that getting materials, equipment, and manpower to work areas was critically important to meet schedule expectations and work cost-effectively,” he said. 


The biggest logistical challenge was determining adequate crane coverage to build the tower while maintaining public safety. 


“Optimally positioning the crane on site was a complex undertaking,” said Carley. “We worked to ensure there was reach to all areas of the property without swinging across property lines to the north or east. We worked closely with neighboring businesses, local authorities, and our crane company to select the right crane for the project.”


Construction utilized a luffing crane for its ability to work in tight spaces, Carley added, without having the boom crossing over site boundaries. Periodic lane closures on 200 South, with strategic ingress and egress points, helped facilitate construction access while minimizing disruptions. Pedestrian canopies installed over public sidewalks helped maintain public safety and navigation around the site. 


Multiple material man hoists were installed and used to transport materials and workers safely. The crane and hoists were active during all available working hours and proved key to meeting the project schedule. Once the elevators achieved functionality, teams removed the material hoists from the building to allow for the installation of the curtain wall, glazing, and GFRC panels on the exterior to finish envelope construction. 


The team determined early on that reducing concrete cycle durations for the superstructure would aid the project. Another strategy involved starting exterior façade and interior build-out earlier, relieving pressure on overall schedule. Jacobsen began these efforts by developing a concrete pour schedule, clearly communicating with key trades (concrete, rebar, and MEP) with specific hour-by-hour rundowns of the deck cycle. 


Jacobsen also utilized wireless sensors that were cast into each deck pour for temperature monitoring and real-time concrete strength measurements. These live updates allowed deck stressing to occur without delay, keeping the project on schedule. 


“Together, all this detailed coordination ultimately resulted in a five-day deck cycle on the single tower from levels 24 to 40—a huge accomplishment for the team,” said Carley.


During peak construction, Jacobsen had 80 to 120 of its own employees, while the project itself topped out at 600 trade workers per day. 

Hybrid Design-Build Offers Unique Challenges to MEP Firms

Lewis said KIC decided to go with a “hybrid design-build” delivery method to help the firm get better real-time cost analysis and more accurate assumptions, along with a more prepared general contractor (three were sent a RFP) who could then bring on board key subcontractors for value engineering and best-built solutions. 


This delivery method was also key in facilitating KIC’s wish for phased occupancy, with residents occupying floors 1-20 while the rest of the building was under construction. This tested the mettle of every trade partner on the job, particularly the electrical and mechanical subcontractors. These teams received schematic and partial (up to 50%) drawings from Portland-based PAE Engineers, allowing the local design-build teams to apply their respective expertise and provide definite cost and schedule benefits. 


Salt Lake-based Hunt Electric utilized its in-house engineering team to complete the design and then turn it over to its construction, lighting, and technology teams.


“It’s one of the most challenging projects we’ve done,” said Adam Brownell, Project Engineer. “A lot of the core design concepts were done, but we took it from various points to completion—we had to fill in gaps, things that were partially designed.”


From a building standpoint, “navigating the high-rise and hauling material up and down was difficult; it was a lot of manpower for us,” said Colton Windfelder, Technologies Project Manager, adding that even small details like workers finding parking and extra attention to safety because of the nature of the project added to the grind. Scheduling materials was done as an on-time basis; if you needed it that day, it was shipped and immediately staged to the right floor. At times, that meant trades stacking materials around other trades in tight floor spaces. 


Three 4,000-amp generators provide the tower with permanent power and ensure resilience during potential outages. Low-blue light and intuitive lighting systems run on a circadian rhythm, adjusting to optimal levels based on natural daylighting. 


On the mechanical side, Salt Lake-based Archer Mechanical brought on board Colvin Engineering of Salt Lake for its design expertise and performed all plumbing construction, while also overseeing HVAC contractor B2Air Systems of Lindon.

Archer and Colvin thrived with the design-build process, with the two firms working together to produce optimal results within their scope.


“We had the framework for what the owner wanted up front, including acoustical design. They wanted a smooth system that provided best-in-class comfort for tenants while also being energy efficient,” said Tony Rickards, President/CEO of Archer. “With design-build, there are no excuses for why something didn’t go well. [Design-build] gives us an opportunity to build a relationship and be an integral part of the team. Being woven into the fabric of a project allows us to understand what an owner’s intent is; what risks we can mitigate early on. We’re more aware of the unique challenges of the project.” 


Rickards said a heat pump system offered many advantages, including efficiency, low noise, and a long system life span, while giving each tenant unit-specific temperature control. Pressure variations per floor had to be factored in and accommodated, which involved utilizing a Sovent system. This engineered single-stack drainage system processes waste and venting by slowing the velocity of liquids and solids through a series of aerator fittings and double offsets. 


Jarrett Capstick, a Principal at Colvin and Project Manager on Astra, said the flow of information between his firm and Archer was efficient and effective, which led to better results in the field. Because Archer was able to factor in specific equipment on its bid, Colvin was able to design around that equipment. 


In a mechanical room, [factoring in specific equipment] can lead to more accurate models, especially in individual apartments that helped dial in space requirements, clearance, air flow, [and] noise,” said Capstick, who oversaw a team of six designers. “We had a really good process transferring design updates to Archer and getting quick feedback with costs or adjustments to streamline installation.”


Capstick also had high praise for the heat pump system, saying one of the benefits is during “shoulder season” when buildings heat up in the morning and then cool in the afternoon. This system can, he said, “transfer heat from one place to another, to shift the load throughout the building. The end result is limiting energy consumption and boiler emissions.”

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Building Supported by Gravity Structural System 

A robust gravity structural system was designed by Thornton Tomasetti’s San Francisco office, according to Mark Koenigs, Associate Principal, and consists of concrete post-tensioned flat plate slabs supported on cast-in-place concrete columns.


The use of flat plate construction allowed for a thin structural depth, which reduced the floor-to-floor height while creating the tall ceilings desired by the developers for the high-end residential units. 


Since the concrete slabs are the tower’s largest structural component, the design team focused on material efficiency and a highly constructable design, said Koenigs. Column locations and slab openings were designed in coordination with HKS to produce an efficient post-tensioning layout with minimal additional reinforcement requirements. With 40 slabs to construct, engineers worked closely with Jacobsen on construction sequencing to maintain speed on the floor pour cycle and keep the overall schedule on track. Special reinforced concrete shear walls form the lateral system of the building. These walls extend from the foundation to the top of the structure and resist lateral loads. 


With Salt Lake City located near the Wasatch Fault, the seismic demands are high, rivaling those of the most seismically active regions. To provide an efficient structural design, Thornton Tomasetti followed a performance-based seismic design (PBSD) process. The process allowed the team to utilize a shear wall-only lateral system at building heights above the limits for a prescriptive code-based seismic design approach. PBSD helped Astra Tower meet and exceed code requirements, optimizing the structural system to resist seismic loads derived from anticipated events at the building, based on the evaluation of local geological conditions and adjacency to nearby faults. The PBSD process allowed the design team to align building performance with specific criteria and provide the required resiliency during a potential seismic event.

Regarding the cantilever, Carley said of the million-dollar-plus cost, “[It was] not a cheap endeavor but worth the price to have a fully unobstructed view from the viewing deck.” The weight of this beam, he added, was a driving factor when selecting which type of crane to use when accounting for size and picking capacity. A temporary column was used to support and stabilize the cantilever beams and then removed after full pen welds were successfully performed and inspected.

Keeping the building plumb was achieved via deck scanning by Jacobsen’s VDC team and surveying to prism points positioned on neighboring buildings. Slab edges were verified during each required deck scan. Deck scanning was verified using benchmarks and surveying equipment, with sight lines to prism targets positioned on neighboring buildings.


Dazzling Glass Curtain Wall System Tested Contractor

Salt Lake-based Steel Encounters added to its burgeoning reputation as a premier high-rise glazing contractor with the completion of Astra Tower. Led by Project Manager Pourya Golzar, the company was responsible for the curtain wall system, glass windscreens, window wall, louvers at the penthouse levels, and operable glazing. 



The custom window wall system included 137,480 SF of glazing and guardrails consisting of more than 9,100 individual pieces of mid-iron glass chosen for its neutral appearance and superior sound performance. The project required three different custom louver finishes to coordinate with surrounding materials.


Celebrating the Grand Achievement

At a May 13 ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by KIC—appropriately in front of the largest mural in Utah that spans the western wall of the tower, a bold artistic statement that underscore’s the project’s commitment to culture and creativity—Rensmon said “Astra Tower is more than just a building—it’s a milestone in Salt Lake City’s evolution. Our goal was to create a place that elevates urban living while contributing to the health, vitality, and long-term sustainability of the city. This project reflects our deep belief in the transformative power of thoughtful development and long-term community investment."


"Astra Tower was brought to life by a highly skilled, ambitious construction workforce that is powering Utah's growth," said Gary Ellis, Jacobsen Construction President and CEO, praising his team and the 86 trade partner firms who contributed to the project’s success. "This project successfully demonstrated that the professional builders in our market are truly ready for whatever the future holds in Salt Lake City."


Beyond its architectural and environmental contributions, Astra Tower will play a key role in stimulating downtown Salt Lake City's economic development. By attracting professionals and businesses to the downtown area, it fosters a vibrant community and supports local enterprises. The project's emphasis on sustainable urban living serves as a model for future developments, aligning with the city's vision for growth and innovation.


Those who worked on it remark how great it is to be able to see it from all over the Salt Lake Valley. 


“It’s a signature project,” said Shane Sidwell, Project Manager for Hunt. “To do that project in the time frame we did it, and still have a good relationship with the GC, is amazing. I see everybody—and it’s family. Even though we may have screamed and yelled along the way, we completed it as a team. Forever friendships with people I worked with on that project.” 


“It was an opportunity to build a staple building that stands out—it’s like an award for us, a proud monument to the work we do,” said Rickards. “It’s a reminder of who we are and what we’re capable of accomplishing.” 


Jacobsen’s Carley concluded that this project has been the highlight of his career. 



"This type of project hasn’t happened very often in our market, and it was something that Jacobsen wanted to do. It’s gratifying to know that all future high-rises will be compared to Astra for quality, height, and speed of construction—setting the stage for the future of a new skyline in Salt Lake City.”


Owner: Kensington Investment Company

Architect: HKS Architects

General Contractor: Jacobsen Construction

Civil Engineer: Great Basin Engineering

Electrical Engineer: PAE (Design Documents), Design Build - Hunt Electric (Construction Documents)

Mechanical Engineer: PAE (Design Documents), Design Build - Archer Mechanical (Construction Documents), Colvin Engineering Associates

Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti

Interior Design: ROAM

Landscape Design: Dig Studio

Geotech: Atlas, Consolidation Engineering Laboratories 

Structural Concrete: Jacobsen Construction, FABco

GFRC Panels & Precast: Willis Construction

Plumbing: Archer Mechanical 

HVAC: B2 Air Systems

Electrical: Hunt Electric 

Masonry: Allen's Masonry Company 

Tile/Stone: Dowland Tile & Stone

Glass/Curtain Wall: Steel Encounters

Flooring: Jacobsen Flooring Services

Roofing: Utah Tile & Roofing

Steel: Precision Welding, SPR Steel Erectors

Excavation: Jones Excavating Company

Metal Framing and Drywall: Daw Construction

Other Specialty Contractors: TID Demolition, Guaranteed Waterproofing & Construction, Grow Painting, Fisher Painting, Mitchell Acoustics, Sinc Constructors, Artisan Millwork, Finish Specialties, Beacon Commercial Door & Lock, CEM Aquatics, Bigge, Mountain Crane, The Finish Guys, BHI, Keller North America, R. Phillips Plastering, Schindler Elevator Corporation, Western Automatic Sprinkler, American Trash Management, Cannon Sales, Colton, Inc., BHI, GE Appliances, MINER, WINSAFE,  All Pro Security

Like a Phoenix Rising

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
Residents have access to a wealth of modern, high-class amenities: Check out this open-air rooftop patio with tasteful lighting, pool, and spacious hot tub—it’s party time! (all photos courtesy Kier Construction)

Mission In Progress

By LADD MARSHALL • November 15, 2025
Steve Green is out in McCornick, Utah. Where is that? And what’s near McCornick? “Nothing,” joked Green, the Sr. Vice President for Wheeler Machinery Co. While he may be far from even the smallest of small towns, with Holden and its 492 residents 13 miles away, he’s close to the site of a major development in data center technology. Isolated on the western edge of the Sevier Desert, the Joule Data Center will also be isolated from the grid—by design. Operation Gigawatt Rolls On Green is one of many energy and power professionals hoping to double Utah’s power generation capacity by 2034 as a part of Operation Gigawatt, an initiative launched by Utah Governor Spencer Cox in October 2024. Utah has long been an economic growth leader; Operation Gigawatt aims to make Utah a power player in energy development by increasing transmission capacity, increasing energy production, strengthening policy, and investing in energy innovation. While Governor Cox’s Operation Gigawatt moves forward statewide, out in McCornick, Green said, “We’re doing operation gigawatt and a half off grid.” The Joule Data Center project team will deliver “In-situ power generation”—power not connected to any electrical distribution or transmission system. It starts with Caterpillar G3520K reciprocating generator sets that produce 1.5 gigawatts of electricity. Waste heat and exhaust from the generators then move through an absorption chiller system as part of the overall systems combined cooling, heat, and power (CCHP) solution, providing much of the water required to cool the data center servers. Beyond the electric power to be generated for the Joule project, there will be 1.5 gigawatts of thermal energy and 1.1 gigawatts of available battery storage to meet the data center's peak electricity needs. Added Green, “And we’re not taxing the local utility grid.” Isolated or Community Power? The massive power capabilities delivered there are impressive, but they reveal a troubling trend in how Utah will double its power generation capabilities. Will it be from well-funded companies looking to power data centers and AI technology separate from the grid? Or will Utah fulfill the mission of Operation Gigawatt by creating power solutions accessible to all? According to Troy Thompson, Chief Operations Officer for Big-D Companies, power generation is about more than supplying data centers. “In my mind, how do we build a billion-dollar hospital downtown that needs ten megawatts of power?” he said, referencing Intermountain Health’s future downtown Salt Lake campus, “let alone the data centers, and manufacturers who we are hoping that will come here?” Ten megawatts of power may pale in comparison to what data centers require, but it is one of many projects seeking regulatory approval to move forward. The Utah Inland Port Authority, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, and others continue to drive projects and jobs into Utah—data centers, too. But Thompson said he has heard from many potential clients who are hesitant to bring their energy-intensive projects to the state without firm guarantees of available power. Operation Gigawatt and state leaders have embraced an "all of the above" approach to energy sources, extending the design lifespans of coal plants, embracing new technologies and power sources, and developing new power-generating capabilities. While the industry is willing, the operating environment needs rewiring to meet state goals. Changing for 21st Century Needs “With as hot as the Utah market is,” began Eric Haslem, “there are too many obstacles for us to overcome.” The market may be ready to ramp up production, said Haslem, Chief Operating Officer for Vernal-based utility and heavy civil contractors BHI, “But the current system can’t handle it. We have this massive web of transmission and distribution infrastructure that was not designed or built for the power demands of the 21st century.” “In 1970, they didn’t know what a smartphone was,” Haslem said, “let alone AI.” Transmission projects have been developed. Rocky Mountain Power/PacifiCorp’s Energy Gateway South transmission line—a 416-mile, high-voltage 500-kilovolt transmission line that runs from Mona to Medicine Bow, Wyoming—certainly helped when it went live in 2024. Still, it's just one project amidst a plethora of needs. Haslem stated that Utah's growth over the last 10 years meant a large majority of the transmission line's capacity was accounted for when it went live. .

One-Stop Shop

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."—KJV Matthew 25:40 From a social and community impact standpoint, few projects match the value to disabled and special needs individuals as the new Utah State Development Center (USDC) Comprehensive Therapies Building in American Fork. The $36 million, 65,000-SF facility was designed as a "one-stop shop," said Joe Jacoby, President of Salt Lake-based Jacoby Architects, whose team led the project’s design. It consolidates and modernizes myriad services under one roof, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, speech, language, and hearing resources, and behavioral health resources. In addition, the new building offers full-service medical and dental clinics, an indoor therapy pool, an Autism treatment wing, and workshops for life skills and vocational training—all geared to helping people live independent, authentic lives, while striving to reach their full potential. "This building was very much about accessibility," Jacoby said, "and putting in many different types of resources for these residents—all in one building." Jacoby's firm has significant recent experience in projects that combine education and healthcare for people with special needs. The firm's design of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence in Utah State University's College of Education and Human Services earned UC+D's 2016 Most Outstanding K-12 Project. Two years later, the firm earned another UC+D award for the C. Mark Openshaw Education Center for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, a project similar to this one in that it contains an array of services, including education and therapy for varying levels of sensory, behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities. "We've been working on different [design] aspects for many years, starting with a deaf preschool, which led to working with the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind," said Jacoby. "With that came many other sub-specialties, like therapy for behavioral issues, cognitive issues, development disabilities, and even speech, language and hearing clinics. It helps people with a variety of disabilities and serves an underserved population of people."

Built Different

By Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
On a fall tour of Utah State University's (USU) Carolyn & Kem Gardner Learning & Leadership Building (Gardner Building), students and faculty are hard at work on a late Tuesday afternoon. Getting here, where USU's business school students could thrive, was a long time coming. The University commissioned the Gardner Building to meet a new mission for the school outside the traditional knowledge acquisition and transfer for which USU has excelled since its founding in 1888: Giving students a differentiated experience they cannot get anywhere else. Purpose Revealed Frank Caliendo, Senior Associate Dean of the Huntsman School of Business, said that the new building is the third and final piece of the business complex, "a realization of the longtime vision of Dean Douglas Anderson, the driving force behind the school's transformation, to meet the needs of students for generations to come." Caliendo, a longtime Aggie (USU BS, '98; PhD, '03), said that, even after the opening of the George S. Eccles Business Building and its faculty offices and classrooms in 1970, growth in business courses eventually outpaced the school's capacity. Jon M. Huntsman Hall's 2016 opening broke the campus bottleneck, with classrooms and other spaces dedicated to business school participants. "But we still needed space for our centers and experiential learning programs," Caliendo said, of the importance of collaborative spaces and differentiated experience for the five programs (see page XX) that would call the Gardner Building home. The design intent for this final piece wasn't a re-creation of Huntsman Hall, Caliendo said of the initial message to MHTN Architects, "But it does need to rhyme with Huntsman Hall." Working within a Busy Environment The first order of business was siting the building just east of the other two business school structures. Stan Burke, Project Manager for Jacobsen Construction, said the Gardner Building was part of a trio of projects that included Ridge Point Hall and a parking garage—three Jacobsen-led projects that utilized the same construction corridor as construction commenced from "An active campus is difficult enough," said Burke of the challenges of simultaneous construction, which required constant coordination amongst the three teams, made a tad easier as they shared a job trailer. "We had to stay cognizant of the school's activities and coordinate with them so that everyone was aware of what we were doing." Coordination went from important to critical, with the three teams meeting daily to discuss coordination and scheduling material and equipment deliveries in 15-minute intervals as the respective construction teams worked on each of the three structures.

The Long and Winding Road

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
Warren and Jennie Lloyd (above) have built Salt Lake-based Lloyd Architects into a well-rounded, versatile firm capable of excelling in both the commercial and custom residential markets, as evidenced by projects such as Snuck Farm in Pleasant Grove (main photo) and this cozy private Powder Mountain based cabin in Eden (below ).

Power Player

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
The last five years have been a whirlwind for the Larry H. Miller Company (LHM), with the organization selling the majority of its beloved Utah Jazz franchise in October 2020 for a reported $1.66 billion, followed by the sale of its auto dealership empire of more than 70 properties for a reported $3.2 billion a year later. The influx of nearly $5 billion was parlayed into several jaw-dropping real estate and other corporate purchases, including: —1,300 undeveloped acres within the massive 4,100-acre Daybreak development in South Jordan in April 2021. —Advanced Health Care Corp. in January 2021, a transitional health care provider with operations in eight states (primarily in the west) and 3,500 employees. —The purchase of the majority stake in Swig, a leader in the flavored soda craze, in May 2023. — Partnering with Utah Trust Lands Administration to develop 1,200 acres in Saratoga Springs. — The acquisition of over 1,000 acres near Park City and Hideout will include multi-family units, housing, restaurants, and retail. —100+ acre mixed-use development in an area along North Temple being dubbed “The Power District”; the future home of not only Rocky Mountain Power’s new corporate campus but potentially a ballpark for a future Major League Baseball expansion team. —A reported $600 million acquisition of controlling interest in MLS team Real Salt Lake and NWSL team Utah Royals, along with associated infrastructure, including America First Field and Zions Bank Training Center. —The development of Downtown Daybreak, a 200-acre parcel that this year saw its 30-acre Phase I debut with the completion of the Salt Lake Bees' new 8,000 capacity stadium—dubbed The Ballpark at America First Square—in April, followed by a new Megaplex cinema entertainment center in July with luxury theatres, bowling, games and a scratch-made kitchen in addition to an open air plaza. A seven-story, 190-unit multi-family development is currently under construction and rising along the right field bleachers, with views that will look down into the ballpark upon completion next year. And LHM is just getting started, said Brad Holmes, President of Larry H. Miller Real Estate since 2018, calling Downtown Daybreak a "new urban center that is central to where the majority of growth is occurring" and combines a "full spectrum of business and year-round entertainment, culture and connectivity, as well as a wide range of housing options." When LHM executives first conceived of a new home for the Salt Lake Bees, Holmes said they went on a "ballpark tour" of MLB and minor league stadiums, and "really fell in love with a ballpark" in Durham, North Carolina—home of the Durham Bulls—which had buildings that framed in the stadium. So, The Ballpark at America First Square has the multi-family project underway in right field, with a proposed hotel slated to begin next year in left field. "In another two seasons, you'll have this urban setting for the ballpark that frames the mountain views. [The design is] really intentional, and I think it will bring a finished edge to Downtown Daybreak," said Holmes. "It was a process trying to figure out the best location, site plan, traffic, but it's in a great spot. The goal for us was to make it feel like it fit in with the community, almost like having a baseball stadium inside of a park, with an open corridor that connects to a plaza."  Holmes said the seemingly small 8,000-capacity stadium (about half the capacity of the Bees former home at Smith’s Ballpark) aligns with national trends. "It's better to play in front of a sold-out crowd than in a half-empty stadium. Some new MLB stadiums are at 30,000 [capacity]. The trend is smaller, more intimate venues with closer views of the field."

Hogan Construction 80th Anniversary

By Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
Much has changed about Hogan & Associates Construction since the company's inception 80 years ago. The name may be the most obvious example, the size of the company may be another giveaway, and the difference in markets served might require a double take if the founders could see the company today. But what hasn't changed is the firm's desire to build communities. It has regularly built important, community-focused projects with a similar purpose since the company came to life in 1945.

(De)signed, Sealed, Delivered

By Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
Imagine this: A company has just begun a meeting with the intent of moving forward with a major investment. One party knows something that will help minimize the investment's risk. Should that party tell everyone, it will save money, time, and everyone involved from future headaches. So when should that party spill the beans? At the beginning of the meeting At the end of the meeting At the right time during the meeting Never Bradley Crocker, Director of Preconstruction for Mollerup Glass, has seen how answering this question correctly—and choosing “A”—brings about successful and profitable investment in commercial construction. “I think that [project teams] need to bring in subcontractors early to help guide budgets in general,” said Crocker, detailing how every trade can bring a similar level of expertise to architects and owners by being involved from the beginning of the “meeting”, while the project is in design. Why? “We can vet cost versus performance and find the best value for the performance, which is essential as meeting or beating the budgets gets the project to construction on time,” said Ben Hiatt, Chief Estimator for Steel Encounters. After all, he said, “Nothing moves if budgets are not met.” Design-assist is a positive step forward, where subcontractors assist in matching design intent with a deep understanding of building envelopes to ensure glazing, roofing, walls, and fenestrations perform at their highest level. Glenn Rainey, Salt Lake City Branch Manager, and Larry Luque, Senior Estimator and Business Developer for Flynn Companies, each said efforts in design-assist fulfill what owners and architects want: buildings that meet the design intent and perform at their highest level for as long as possible. It’s not just architects who benefit from that early involvement. “More GCs realize they need us right up front,” said Luque. With teams whose combined experience totals thousands of hours, building envelope contractors stay up to date on changing codes, materials, and specifications, which is highly beneficial to the project. Their close involvement with vendors can help ensure a variety of solutions that meet each job’s needs and help optimize building envelope performance. Consultant Involvement Other parties are lending their expertise. Brandt Strong said building envelope quality has increased with the arrival of more building envelope consultants in Utah and a greater dedication to the building envelope in general. “We had a time where we could say ‘This is a Vegas project, and we have to have the belt and suspenders,’” said Strong, Director of Operations for Mollerup Glass. On Utah projects, the building envelope used to be an afterthought. But it’s changed for the better over the years. “The Utah teams are as sophisticated as anywhere else.” While the markups on shop drawings can draw some ire, both mentioned how working with consultants has led to better, more efficient projects, potentially reducing the need for future repairs by inspecting every material and transition on the building envelope. Said Crocker, “We cannot discredit the envelope consultants’ role in making us, and the industry as a whole, perform at a higher level.” Hiatt credited each party overseeing the building envelope scope for learning and adapting to create a better building environment, specifically in understanding seismic drift and its relationship to glazing, as well as thermal performance and continuity. Improvements to air-barrier coordination and tie-ins to stop water and air leaks are helping buildings operate at peak efficiency. “The architects, general contractors, consultants, and trades have improved their knowledge over the years,” said Hiatt. “Design and execution of façades are better coordinated and executed.”

Taylor Electric Thriving at 50

By Bradley Fullmer • November 15, 2025
Taylor Electric proved its mettle on the challenging Salt Lake International Airport, Southeast Concourse project, with their portion of work concluding in October 2023. (all photos courtesy Taylor Electric)

Hungry and Ready

By Bradley Fullmer and Taylor Larsen • November 15, 2025
By Bradley Fullmer It's been a whirlwind 18 months for Adam Del Toro and Nick Pexton, who co-founded Fountain Green-based Reliance Engineering Services in May 2024, a company specializing in full-service telecommunications engineering, including design, project management, permitting, and funding and grant applications. Two years ago, Del Toro was more than a decade into his career as a Research & Development Supervisor for natural gas giant Dominion Energy, while Pexton was working for Nephi-based Rocky Mountain West Telcom (RMWT) as a Sr. Director of Business Development, with just over four years at the company. The two had met a couple of years earlier while collaborating on a potential fiber optic network project in Mona that never happened. Neither was particularly content with their respective positions, so when Del Toro got a random call from Pexton in March 2024, the timing could not have been better. "I was planning on leaving the natural gas industry and start my own firm [...] Nick happened to call the day I was putting in my two weeks [at Dominion],” said Del Toro, 39. "It definitely felt like Providence was helping us." "Somebody was looking after us, because the timing was unbelievable," added Pexton, 35. "It's crazy how things lined up." Del Toro is a native of St. George and earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University in 2011. After 2.5 years as a USU Graduate Research Assistant, he joined Dominion Energy in January 2013, where he designed major natural gas systems and structures. Del Toro also earned a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, Kentucky) in 2023, and moonlights as a counselor at The Center for Hope in Springville, where he helps clients address life challenges both personally and professionally. Pexton is a native of Nephi and studied at Utah Valley University from 2008 to 2010, and earned the Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist designation from Teracom Training Institute (2013-2014). Pexton joined Nephi-based Mid-State Consultants, a telecommunications engineering firm, in March 2011 and spent more than nine years there. He joined RMWT in June 2020, gaining experience in project management and operations. After that fortuitous phone call from Pexton to Del Toro, the pair met four times from March to May to "make sure we were aligned on what the company would look like," Pexton said. "It was a pretty quick process," added Del Toro. "We got talking about goals, how to build a general company vision. I trusted Nick's background and experience, and his character, as well. It was a big risk, but I'm a sink-or-swim guy. If those are my options, I'm going to swim!" Since teaming up, the pair have been aggressive regarding company growth, having exploded from just the two of them to 30 employees, with revenues expected to more than quintuple from $560,000 in 2024 to nearly $3 million by the end of this year. Both expect the telecommunication market to be a fruitful, busy market given the need for fiber optics to rural America, in addition to the "Internet for All" initiative in May 2022 that was part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) implementation of the infrastructure law that allocated $65 billion to improve high-speed Internet access. Utah, specifically, received $330 million, with the goal of reaching some 40,000 unserved homes and businesses. The firm's location in Sanpete County puts them in the center of the state geographically, and they're committed to working with communities of all sizes to improve their internet capacity. In addition to Utah, Reliance is working in Michigan and Oklahoma, and Del Toro and Pexton expect to land significant future work throughout the Midwest. They want to grow intentionally while ensuring a diversity of revenue streams. "We set some early goals, and we've been able to do really well—we're on track to beat our goals," said Del Toro, crediting the many employees who have joined the firm. "Those individuals took great risks coming on board. We anticipate we'll be even larger next year with the work coming down the pipeline." "Our outlook has been wise," said Pexton. "We've taken into consideration diversification into other sectors—that's a key element. Adam has experience in the natural gas industry, and we want to further our diversification and get into the power side of the industry." Major clients include the federal government (USDA), utility companies, and municipalities, with a focus on rural communities. "We love Sanpete County," said Del Toro. "We value helping the communities we live and work in and providing services that help build up the community and hopefully help the residents." "We depend on repeat work from 18 major clients, and continuously getting work from them," said Pexton. "The minute we stop doing a good job, they can go someplace else. As long as we do a good job, we'll keep getting work." The pair expect Reliance to maintain its explosive growth, perhaps even doubling its employee total in another 12 months. "Next year's [revenue] goal is $4.8 million," said Pexton. "We have confidence in what our workload will be like. We are scaling quite dramatically and want to grow at a healthy pace, where we're not stringing ourselves out too thin. We're in a good position right now."