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 of Los Angeles provided interior design on every level. 

"With Astra Tower, we set out to design interiors that reflect both the soul and natural beauty of Utah, infused with the energy of modern city living," said Deanne Teeter, Design Director at ROAM. “Every amenity—from the tranquil spa on the 23rd floor to the rooftop lounge with panoramic views—is intentionally crafted to foster wellness through biophilic connection and a true sense of home in the sky."

“Astra Tower was purposefully designed to exemplify KIC's commitment to 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

Q&A with Nathan Goodrich

By UC&D • August 1, 2025
Nathan Goodrich

100 Years & Five Generations

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

State of Industry; State of Progress

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

Showroom Showstopper

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

ASCE 2025 Report Card For Utah

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

Toward The Promised Land

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

One for the Ages

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

Community First

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

Daybreak: Then and Now

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

Utahraptor State Park

By Taylor Larsen • June 30, 2025
Not often does an opportunity come around to build a new state park. But the project team jumped at the chance and helped bring amenities to the off-roading wilderness around Moab to deliver the new Utahraptor State Park. The unique project received design collaboration from Johansen & Tuttle Engineering, GSBS Architects, Horrocks, and Spectrum Engineers. Hogan & Associates Construction led construction efforts to bring in site infrastructure, utilities, and vertical construction to build new recreation opportunities for Moab’s tourism hotbed. The project’s remote location made this a major challenge. Still, best-in-class coordination helped to mitigate labor concerns and site issues to build a fitting tribute to the area’s history as Utahraptor State Park prepares for its first summer tourist season in 2025. Designing a Fitting Park for the Area The park was created in 2021 via legislative action (H.B. 257), while the infrastructure and more began construction in 2023. The site is historic in two senses. It is home to ancient history, with fossil sites of the Utahraptor found throughout the area—fossils first discovered outside the Dalton Wells Quarry by paleontologist “Dinosaur Jim” Jensen in 1975. It is also an area of 20th-century history as the former site of the Dalton Wells Isolation Center, the Civilian Conservation Corps facility-turned-internment camp where Japanese Americans were detained from 1942-1945 during World War II. Owner’s representatives from the State of Utah’s Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) said an overall goal for Utah State Parks was to preserve these historic assets amidst steady and consistent tourist and recreation growth. According to Matt Boyer, Assistant Director of Capital Development for DFCM, Utahraptor State Park's development would happen “in a way that would preserve the historic nature of the site while maintaining the opportunity for recreation in the process.” According to Clio Rayner, Principal for GSBS, the design goal aimed to complement instead of compete with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. “We wanted to provide a subtle sense of arrival where people feel a sense of welcome and comfort,” she said. Design leaders wanted the harsh beauty and serenity of the Colorado Plateau Desert to remain the showstopper. “We went into this design not wanting to make an architectural statement but rather wanting to create a visitor experience focused on the landscape. In a place like this, it should not be about the architecture.” Since the built environment of Utahraptor State Park would consist of recreational facilities and a visitor center, Rayner explained, “We used a material palette and building massing that reflected natural features of the site and created flexible open interior space for multiple uses.” Interior design, said Rayner, “Provided an open opportunity for Utah Parks to create interpretive exhibits inside the Utahraptor visitor center that tell the story and convey the significance of the site.” Design incorporated economical and durable features like natural wood and CMU colors and patterns drawn from the stone features that abound in Utah's eastern majesty.