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

Deer Valley Expansion

By Taylor Larsen • February 25, 2026
Start spreadin’ the news I’m leavin’ today I want to be a part of it… I can hear everyone singing the final line: Deer Valley Resooooooooort Fine. Frank Sinatra may not have had après ski on the mind in “New York, New York”, but if the famous singer were alive today, I bet he would want to be a part of Deer Valley’s East Village—even with no relation to the New York City neighborhood—and the transformational development ongoing across Mayflower Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. East Village—Deer Valley Style “Deer Valley East Village is a long-anticipated project that will serve as the heart of the expanded terrain at Deer Valley Resort,” said Gary Barnett, Founder and Chair of Extell Development Company (Extell), in a press release. “With careful planning, we’ve curated a village that will redefine luxury and offer unparalleled amenities for our guests.” The ability to curate such luxury came from 10 years of collecting. Since 2015, Extell has purchased over 20 land parcels, assembling well over 5,000 acres for development. Extell partnered with the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and Reef Capital Partners (Reef) to create a highly capable development team. These efforts set the stage for the 2023 agreement between the developer and Alterra Mountain Group (Alterra), Deer Valley’s parent company, to fold Extell’s East Village property into its existing resort operations—what Deer Valley President and COO Todd Bennett called, “Your new Deer Valley.” Barnett, speaking of what’s to come with this partnership and the billions of dollars of work set to go in on the mountain, said, “Extell and Deer Valley collaborated to craft a village and ski experience where luxury, adventure, and experience come together effortlessly.” Thus began the monumental transformation of Mayflower Mountain. Big Name Arrivals Two projects helped get the party started in the East Village. The Residences at Pioche Village delivered four buildings comprising 400-plus condominiums built by New Star General Contractors in December 2023. Although the project is outside the epicenter of ongoing development, it is becoming increasingly important to the area, as MIDA recently purchased one of the buildings to set aside 42 units of workforce housing. The first finished project within the epicenter was the award-winning Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, designed by OZ Architecture and built by Jacobsen Construction, completed in 2024. Extell partnered with MIDA to develop the hotel on military land, offering 100 rooms at a discounted rate for service members. The opulent hotel and condo property introduced a total of over 380 guest rooms, 40 suites, 55 private residences, and nearly 40,000 SF of conference space. And it’s just the beginning. On a recent tour of the East Village, Michael Woisin, Extell’s Sr. VP of Construction in Utah, detailed the immense manpower required to bring the vision to life. The six tower cranes currently operating there, along with a handful of other cranes, combine with dozens of concrete trucks heading up and down the mountain to support around 1,000 construction workers on site, driving projects of all sizes. Reef is developing multiple residential properties in the coming years. On the single-family side, Marcella at Deer Valley has already sold out the 143 homesites in the future private community, which is currently under construction. Marcella Landing will deliver a gated community of 50 ski-in/ski-out luxury townhomes designed by Olson Kundig. Cormont will deliver five residential condo towers and a vibrant central plaza, with construction completed in 2027 and 2028, and local architectural experience provided by FFKR Architects. The big brands are coming, too. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Deer Valley, designed by ODA Architecture and built by Jacobsen Construction, will deliver 134 guest rooms and suites, as well as 123 for-sale residences, with completion in 2028. Canopy by Hilton will open a 180-key hotel near Pioche Village. The property will feature architecture by The Richardson Design Partnership and interior design by DLR/Brayton Hughes and will open its doors in summer 2026. Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort and Residences was announced in late January, with plans to bring 132 guest suites and 105 for-sale residences near Deer Valley’s Green Monster, the resort’s 4.85-mile ski run—Utah’s longest. With architectural design from KPF and interiors by AvroKO, the project will open its doors in 2028. Beyond the ski-in/ski-out access at many of the above properties, the East Village will also feature a skier services building and an extensive, tiered pedestrian plaza designed by ODA for year-round enjoyment when completed. The building will serve as the heart of the ski village, surrounded by the “ski beach” at the base of the mountain—with a future holiday market, a snow maze, and The Ribbon’s state-of-the-art ice- skating circuit planned for winter months. In summer, the area will be activated by a music festival, farmer’s market, outdoor movie screenings, and other events.

AGC of Utah Installs Gary Ellis as 2026 Chair at Annual Convention

By Bradley Fullmer • February 25, 2026
If the turnout for the 104th Annual Convention for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Utah is any indication of the current state of the construction industry in the Beehive State, 2026 will indeed be a robust year. The popular industry convention—held January 29-30 at Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake—continues to draw room-busting crowds at its events. The AGC's 2026 Awards Breakfast kicked off the convention on January 29, with the Utah chapter handing out nearly 50 awards for innovative projects and dedicated people. The second day—an all-day event—included entertaining keynote speakers at breakfast and lunch, along with informative breakout sessions in between. The convention was capped by an always-entertaining Installation Banquet, where Gary Ellis, President/CEO of Salt Lake-based Jacobsen Construction, was installed as 2026 AGC of Utah Chairman of the Board. Brett Nielsen, President of Brigham City-based Whitaker Construction and 2025 AGC of Utah Chairman, thanked AGC's staff of 13 for their efforts to elevate the association, and highlighted the work of the Construction Learning Committee (CLC), which aims to cultivate the next generation of construction industry leaders. "Earlier today, I made a comment that the generation that's coming into our industry today is about 20% of our population, but they are 100% of our future," said Nielsen. "We owe it to them to make sure we're providing the same tools, the guidance, the leadership that we received as we were coming up in the industry." Ellis followed with an initial plug for Nielsen, who is in line to serve as the AGC of America's 2030 President—a first for the Utah chapter. "We're excited to share Brett and his wisdom and terrific leadership to the entire country with regard to our industry—he'll do a great job and carry Utah in his heart," said Ellis. Ellis said he never imagined working in the construction industry, thinking he'd rather be a river running guide or physical therapist. Ultimately, he pursued accounting, earning a Master of Accounting from Provo-based Brigham Young University in 1995 and spending the first five years of his career as a Senior Auditor for KPMG in Salt Lake. He was hired in December 2000 at Jacobsen Construction as a Financial Controller, later ascending to his present title of President/CEO in January 2021. "The amount of construction experience I had before I landed at Jacobsen Construction was two weeks sweeping floors at a residential construction site," said Ellis. "I never imagined I would be part of the construction industry, but it's been life-changing for me. Our theme for the convention this year is Building What Matters—I wanted to do something that mattered [...] I wanted to be part of growing something, something I could put my arms around and say, 'wow, look what we just did together'. That's really what my motivation was when I found the construction industry." During the first five years of his career at a large corporate firm, Ellis said the gig lacked fulfillment. Joining Jacobsen opened his eyes to a new world, one he quickly gained a true passion for. "My kids are sick and tired of me pointing out every [Jacobsen] building as we go up and down I-15, I-80—I know, I'm preaching in the choir. There are incredible things that we do at Jacobsen; quite often, we talk about the 'wow factor'. That is what we have in this group. It is the wow factor, being able to [bask] in the pride we feel." Ellis also thanked his team at Jacobsen for believing in the AGC's mission and recognizing the importance of giving back to the industry. "I'm indebted to Ted [Jacobsen] and his family for what they've created at Jacobsen. The day I was asked [...] to take over as President, my very first phone call was to Ted Jacobsen [...] to let him know that I commit to making sure his family name is known in good standing in this marketplace."

Tick Tock from the Water Clock

By Taylor Larsen • February 25, 2026
Time is running out. Not for Utah water. Not yet. But it is for negotiations on the Colorado River. Recently, Utah and six other states, Mexico, and Native American Tribes missed another deadline to revise the current Colorado River Compact. Like family members negotiating a handwritten will, their agreement, or lack thereof, will determine who gets what from the Colorado River in 2026 and beyond. The compact has dictated water rights for the Upper Basin states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, and the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada since it was signed in 1922. The agreement, a result of phenomenal collaboration and compromise, has worked out as well as something written 100 years ago could. But the compact is starting to look it’s age. As the desert sun is unkind to the skin, the prolonged megadrought of the American Southwest has been unkind to the Colorado River. Overallocation of the river, droughts, drastic population growth, and a lack of consideration for all of the water-drawing entities mean compromises are on the horizon to ensure that each party at the table can provide Colorado River water to the estimated 40 million people who rely on it. The seven states and the federal government have tried previous facelifts with federal guidelines and plans to draw less water, but blemishes remain. Native tribes are still awaiting corrective surgery to remove the scars of historical injustice, especially after the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that the federal government was not required to take steps to ensure the tribes’ water rights. While Colorado River negotiations reach the end, four of Utah’s biggest water conservancy districts are pushing past existential drought to create solutions with their water users and industry partners to ensure taps flow for generations to come.

Rural Roots

By Taylor Larsen • February 25, 2026
Little did the team at KMA Architects know how much a proposal for one high school would change their fortunes forever. Duchesne School District released its RFP for a new Altamont High School in 2011. Wes Christensen, then Project Architect, felt like it was a winnable project. After all, KMA Architects had built a stellar reputation designing schools throughout Utah since the firm opened in 1996. There was just one problem with this RFP: KMA didn’t design new high schools. While the firm focused primarily on elementary and junior high schools, Christensen and others on the KMA team were confident in their design proposal and threw their hat in the ring to win the job. “I was certain our competition was going to present a two-story high school,” said Christensen, recalling the various brainstorming sessions that hinged on how to best present their design for a durable and economical one-story school with easily accessible mechanical mezzanines over the corridors. The district's response had the KMA team ecstatic: “We love it.” Winning the Altamont High job with a one-story design is one of many examples of KMA’s emphasis on listening first, a legacy established long before the firm relocated its headquarters in 2020, and long before the team sat for this interview, overlooking Spanish Fork Main Street from their stylish second-story conference room. Sometimes two stories are best, and KMA’s history is among them. Starting Shop in Provo It starts with Kevin Madsen initially pursuing engineering at the University of Utah, graduating in 1972, but with a passion for the entire industry. He earned his contractor license in 1974, but he made his mark in design. “I was good at drawing and drafting,” Madsen, now retired, said from the comfort of the drafting table of his Palmyra home. Madsen even taught drafting and CAD at the former Utah Valley State College (now Utah Valley University) from 1990-1993, saying, “That’s when I realized I wanted to run an architectural firm.” After Nebo and Sevier school districts personally requested Madsen’s services, he founded Kevin Madsen & Associates Architects in January 1996, bringing Christensen and others to work on the firm’s many projects. One of which began when Madsen bought a historic Victorian home at 195 East and 100 North in Provo and turned it into the KMA office in 1998. “It was a work in progress all the way,” laughed Madsen over the phone. That contractor license came in handy; Madsen salvaged high-quality carpet scraps from schools and brought them back to the office. Christensen, now KMA’s Owner and Principal, remembered sanding beams, tearing out old carpet, and stapling in the new flooring in its place—he’s got the scars to prove it. Other famous memories the entire senior KMA team recalled involved creating original blueprints with ammonia and venturing up I-15 to the old Service Blue print shop in Salt Lake to print off dozens of client copies. “We called it a ‘Printing Event’,” Christensen said, recalling the various times that the team would yo-yo between Provo and Salt Lake to drop off their specifications and drawings, often at midnight or later, before returning the next morning to fill an entire truck bed with boxes of freshly printed copies.

Seasoned to Perfection in Providence

By Taylor Larsen • February 25, 2026
The new Weber Blackstone headquarters project involved significant civil work in dewatering and wetland preservation so close to Big Ballard Springs and Blacksmith Fork River. Once completed, the finished build’s Prodema wood paneling exterior gives the building take-off. (all photos courtesy R&O Construction except where indicated)

New Trajectory for New Star

By Taylor Larsen • February 25, 2026
Midlife crisis? Try mid-life calm for New Star General Contractors as the Salt Lake-based construction firm celebrates 40 years of building great projects. As President Jeff Pettit sits in the firm’s conference room on the second story of the New Star office (self-performed in 1996), he reminisces on his 37 years there, as well as plenty of lore established when the firm emerged. In 1986, carpenters Dave Love and Steve Williams were building a home for their boss’s lawyer in Salt Lake City’s Federal Heights. Their boss, Ranch Kimball, was the owner of Cannon Construction, and announced he would be closing shop later that year. Love and Williams vowed to continue the good work, but under a new venture—New Star General Contractors. Based in Bountiful, New Star performed any small project or remodel they could, even venturing east to remodel an Episcopal church in Vernal. The two owners ran New Star from a “carpenter’s perspective”, Pettit said with a smile, “A good, honest trade.” As employees gained a deep understanding of fieldwork and constructability, New Star self-performed much of the concrete, framing, and interior and exterior finishes, buoyed by a large pool of high-level union carpenters from Utah Carpenters Union Local #184, ready to build. Pettit came aboard New Star in 1989, joining his father and uncle at the firm, two journeymen union carpenters, while he apprenticed as the company grew. Early Years; Midlife Struggles Pettit praised the foundation established by Williams and Love in New Star’s first decade, recalling how both owners worked as estimators and project managers as they sought to win work, while Treasa Love and Patti Williams, Love and Williams’ respective wives, ran accounting, billing, and payroll. The firm was at the cusp of taking off when Williams passed in 1997, but Love and the few dozen members of the New Star team pressed on, working for Deer Valley’s former parent company, Royal Street, on projects like Royal Plaza and Goldener Hirsch Phase 1. “Those projects helped put New Star on the map,” Pettit said. Another foundational project was Peace House, a four-bedroom domestic violence shelter for women and children built in 1995. “It was Dave’s way of giving back to the community,” said Pettit of the relationship between New Star and Peace House that has burned brightly ever since. Love joined the organization’s board of directors, and New Star built Peace House’s 40,000-SF expansion over 20 years later—a massive upgrade that delivered eight units of emergency shelter and 12 units of transitional housing for mothers and children. The project, a monumental community victory, eventually earned UC+D’s “Publisher’s Pick” award in 2019. Company culture in those early years benefitted from the “New Star Band”, a six-member ensemble of New Star employees. Love, his office wall lined with a notable guitar collection, led the charge. “Dave was a great musician and a great guitarist,” said Pettit of the culture- and relationship-building efforts of the New Star Band. “Anyone who knew New Star knew of the band.” But it wasn’t all roses, as New Star’s union roots counted for little as the firm and many other general contractors battled trade unions in the early 2000s. Pettit recalled the picket lines that formed around their Salt Lake City office and their job sites. As the Great Recession hit in 2007 and dragged on into the next decade, Pettit grimaced at how New Star laid off many employees as he, Love, and the remaining executives took massive pay cuts, following through on Love’s advice: “Keep money in the company, because there will be lean times.”

Sky High-End Club

By B. H. Wright • February 25, 2026
When it comes to classy sophistication, the sparkling new Delta Sky Club—Concourse B at Salt Lake City International Airport sets an incredibly high bar in both form and function. The opulent 34,000-SF club—Delta's second at The New SLC—offers members myriad ways to relax and decompress from the rigors of travel, highlighted by the truly unique Digital Immersion Room. Salt Lake-based HOK worked with Zenapptic of Novato, Calif., on the impressive display, which was designed with neuroinclusive principles in mind. The innovative space surrounds guests with seven expansive screens featuring aerial views of Utah’s iconic landscapes, including the state’s five national parks and cityscapes of downtown Salt Lake architecture. Synchronized natural soundscapes enhance the visuals, creating a calming, immersive, and four-dimensional experience. Velvet drapery, darker tones, and curved acoustic baffles further support the sensory environment. As the only club in Delta’s network to offer this experience, Salt Lake City sets a new benchmark for innovation and traveler comfort. "We wanted it to feel like a cocoon, a space you can get away from the hustle and bustle, even from what's going on within the club," said Sarah Oppenhuizen, Director of Interiors at HOK. The seven screens are tied into the speaker system, "so you're hearing birds chirping, or a plane flying by, or a storm rolling in. Zenapptic did a fabulous job of taking these scenes, images taken all across Utah, and splitting them into layers [...] that can move in a way that makes it feel like you are actually viewing that scene." The material palette and lighting selections also reflect and amplify Utah’s natural beauty. From warm tones to reflective surfaces, every detail connects travelers to the spirit of the state. The club itself is a diverse wonder of breathtaking spaces created from a highly curated and layered material palette. Each space was meticulously crafted into "neighborhoods" appealing to myriad client tastes and preferences. There are eight specific ceiling systems, eight custom terrazzo blends, a dozen tile products, and dynamic specialty lighting—creating a refined ambience inspired by Utah’s diverse landscapes while maintaining the elevated experience synonymous with Delta's iconic brand. The distinct neighborhoods highlight the club's supreme functionality supporting a robust 600-seat capacity—it's Delta's second-largest club after La Guardia in New York City—while maintaining comfort, intuitive circulation, and a soothing acoustical environment. Larger-scale stone flooring with red accents evokes a natural hiking path while providing durability and ease of movement for guests with rolling luggage. Sound-absorbing properties are integrated into ceilings and select walls throughout the space to maintain a serene guest experience. “Creating distinct neighborhoods gave us the flexibility to increase seating capacity without sacrificing comfort,” said Mishael Thompson, Design Lead at Delta Air Lines. “Guests can easily find a space that fits how they want to travel—whether that’s social, private, or somewhere in between.” “The goal was to bring a true sense of place into the space without overwhelming the guest,” added Oppenhuizen. “By layering materials, color, and technology, we were able to reference Utah’s landscape in a subtle way while maintaining the timeless, hospitality-driven feel of a Delta Sky Club.” Design elements on Level 2, which serves as the entry experience, incorporate cooler whites and blues inspired by a Park City winter, while Level 3 transitions to warmer reds and bronze tones that reference Utah’s caves and caverns. A signature seating area at the top of the escalators—featuring layered blue furnishings and a rippled metal ceiling—draws inspiration from the Great Salt Lake. An expansive, curving bar is an eye-catcher—a unique reflective ceiling above with twinkling lights is a highlight that recalls the state’s copper mines. Blue-veined marble countertops in the space reflect crystal-like light fixtures reminiscent of stalactites, adding a sense of natural wonder. Emphasis on High-Quality Finishes, Resort-like Feel Maintaining the Delta brand is always a top priority for designers, and while explicitly branded elements in Delta Sky Clubs are minimal—primarily limited to the check-in area and select touchpoints—the broader brand strategy centers on elevating the airport experience through high-quality design, materials, and comfort. Branding is subtly expressed through a hospitality-driven environment that conveys both luxury and durability. “We want all our guests to feel like they’ve just stepped into a high-end hotel lobby—not an airport,” said Thompson. “That sense of arrival, comfort, and quiet luxury is fundamental to how we think about the Delta Sky Club experience, and this project truly delivers on that vision.” While program standards remain consistent across all Delta Sky Clubs to ensure familiarity, hub locations such as Salt Lake City provide opportunities to further elevate the experience through regionally inspired materials and design cues. This balance of consistency and localization reinforces Delta’s brand promise while allowing each club to feel distinctive and connected to its location. The new club is larger than its sister Delta Sky Club in Concourse A—that one checks in at 29,000 SF. The expanded footprint provided opportunities to further elevate the experience through additional amenities, greater spatial variety, and a stronger emphasis on regional design elements while still maintaining consistency with Delta’s established Sky Club standards. Attention to detail is a Delta hallmark, added Thompson, with high-quality finishes essential to the project's overall aesthetic. Achieving this level of quality required extensive coordination, including detailed submittal reviews to ensure each material and design element met Delta’s performance and durability standards. Attention to craftsmanship played a critical role in delivering a club that aligns with Delta’s elevated brand experience. “Our guests notice the details,” Thompson emphasized. “From the durability of finishes to how materials feel and perform over time, quality was non-negotiable on this project.”

2026 Economic Outlook

By Bradley Fullmer • February 25, 2026
Dejan Eskic was blunt in his assessment of Utah's 2026 economic outlook during a January 13 presentation to the American Concrete Institute (ACI), Intermountain Chapter, remarking in his opening statement, "I feel like we're living in a season of the [television] show '24', where every episode, you're holding your breath." Eskic, Sr. Research Fellow at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, was talking about geopolitics, specifically referencing the economic impact of the Trump Administration’s global tariffs after a year, and how economic outlooks are not so easy to predict when dealing with the potential impact of national and international factors. "Part of talking about economics, it can get political," he continued. "I try not to be political about it, but it's hard to unravel the two, right? Whatever [information] President Trump releaes on whatever media platform has influence on the market. Tariffs really brought a lot of uncertainty and made the market very skittish." Eskic said tariffs are his "least favorite subject, because we haven't had to talk about it for 100 years, and all of a sudden it's gone haywire—there's a lot of uncertainty with tariffs." He added that the Gardner Policy Institute will release a white paper detailing tariff impacts later this year. Interest Rate Cuts Not Anticipated in 2026 The Fed did not cut interest rates at its first meeting of the year on January 28, and Chair Jerome Powell believes keeping the current rate of 3.5% to 3.75% is prudent, with stabilizing unemployment and inflation rates signaling a steady economic year. "Employment rates have stabilized to the point where they're not forecasting a rate cut. I think they're anticipating steady rates between 3.5% and 3.75%," said Ryan Starks, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. "Just having that predictability is the most important thing." Home mortgage rates took a sharp dip in January, Eskic reported, from 6.8% to 6%, which is something "you pay attention to" considering it happened in just a few days. Steady rates mean developers know exactly what to expect and can determine whether or not to pull the plug on projects that have been paused while more favorable rates are seen. Utah Expected to Have Moderate Economic Growth Eskic cited the Gardner Institute's 2026 Economic Report to the Governor when announcing a slew of favorable projected stats that underscore moderate 1.5% economic growth, including: • Steady job growth of 1.5%, including a robust 3.2% construction job growth (143,000 jobs); • Rising average wages of 3%-4%, with some construction trades expected to eclipse 5% wage growth; • Continued population growth, albeit at a slower 1.3% clip overall; Utah County led the way with 2.1% growth; • Low state unemployment rate of 3.3% in 2025, significantly better than the national average of 4.4%. While these numbers are down from peak totals within the past decade, they still portend a growing economy, with construction playing a vital role in the state's overall economic health. AGC Optimistic for Another Solid Year The Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC of Utah) remains a steady voice for construction in the Beehive State, and its members "are cautiously optimistic about 2026, with the strongest confidence in infrastructure, power, and data-driven projects," said Joey Gilbert, AGC of Utah President/CEO, citing his association's record-level 700+ members statewide as an indicator of the health of the industry. “Utah's biggest structural advantage is that it's still a growth state with strong population gains and job growth creation with durable demand for housing, commercial space, and public infrastructure," added Robert Spendlove, Chief Economist for Zions Bank. "We also benefit from a relatively healthy labor market and strong household fundamentals. Utah's unemployment rate (hovering around 3%) remains lower than the national average (4.4%), and wage growth has been running above the U.S." That's not to say everything is peaches and cream, as job growth "has cooled compared to the post-pandemic surge," said Ken Simonson, AGC of America Chief Economist. "Contractors are still dealing with labor pressures, wages are expected to keep rising 4%-5%, and policy actions affecting labor availability could make staffing harder in 2026. At the same time, the national data show job openings have fallen, which is consistent with a market that's still tight in key trades, but less overheated than a year or two ago." Gilbert agreed that construction labor in Utah has steadied a bit, saying "the labor market is still tight but stabilizing, with steady wage growth and increased focus on workforce development and retention." There are other tailwinds in Utah's favor as 2026 begins. Spendlove said, "Utah's underlying economic fundamentals remain strong: population growth (about 1.5%) and employment growth (north of 2.0%) are still outpacing the U.S., which supports a steady pipeline of construction demand. “ Simonsen agreed that Utah remains a hot business market—yet again—to have another solid year. “Utah remains resilient. The opportunity set in 2026 looks best where demand is most durable—data centers, power, and infrastructure. Utah is well-positioned to compete [nationally] in those areas. Even with uncertainty, contractors are planning, not freezing. The main watchouts are financing conditions and cost volatility, but there's still meaningful work in the queue.” Gilbert added, ”Utah's construction industry is well-positioned in 2026 due to strong economic fundamentals and sustained demand in key sectors.” Demand Brisk for Data Centers, Infrastructure, Energy, Other Markets Contractors and designers recognize the rapidly rising demand for data centers, and therefore, the energy to drive power-thirsty—not to mention water-thirsty—projects, and are positioning themselves accordingly. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has "Operation Gigawatt" rolling, a 10-year initiative started in 2024 to develop new energy production across multiple power sources. "It's absolutely essential that we get in front of energy," said Starks. "We're seeing that from a population growth standpoint, but also from a commercial growth standpoint. With more development taking place, somebody's got to take the lead, and we feel like Utah is well-positioned to be that leader. The Governor wants to double energy production as part of the 'Operation Gigawatt' initiative. Our approach to energy is an 'all-of-the-above' approach—natural gas, solar, nuclear, geothermal." Gilbert said Utah's legislative leaders are keen to see Governor Cox's energy ideas come to fruition. "Their priorities are energy production and reliability," said Gilbert. "Senator [Stuart] Adams believes the state that controls AI will control the world. AI demands power and a lot of it. [State legislators are] dedicated to making sure Utah has infrastructure and power resources. We're looking at energy resources, from nuclear to solar and everything in between."

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. .