Sign Of The Times

The dazzling new One Burton apartment building tastefully captures the owner's passion for mid-century modern architecture in a project that aims to kick off a true 'downtown' area in South Salt Lake.
By Brad Fullmer

The transformation of the heart of South Salt Lake from a gritty, somewhat dilapidated industrial area into a legitimate 'downtown' urban area with active neighborhoods of stylish residential and commercial buildings, got a major boost in June with the official grand opening of the eight-story, 180-unit One Burton apartment complex, ushering in a new era of modern development in the city.  
 
"I'm very happy to be where we're at now," gushed Jason Algaze, a Principal with New York-based Abstract Development Group, as One Burton marks the firm's first completed project in Utah. "The building is unique, and we had a good [team] to help us execute our vision."

One notable caveat of the $70 million project—with its location directly adjacent to Interstate 80—was that the previous landowner, YESCO, be allowed to keep its billboard on the property, leading to the building to being dubbed 'the Billboard Apartments' during construction.

Architects from Salt Lake-based Architectural Nexus, led by Mihnea Dobre, Principal-in-Charge, and Charles Bagley, Project Manager, were quick to roll with that interesting design nuance, along with other design constraints specific to a location smack dab next to a bustling U.S. highway. They embraced the billboard, ultimately coming up with the idea of INFLUENCE—something that is shaped, carved, and molded by the constant effect of environment—as the design brief and conceptual driver for the project. 

Since the billboard would have a direct impact on the building form—and is emblematic of the very idea of what influence is—the design leaned heavy into it. From the south side, you can visually see its influence carving and shaping the building with a continued ripple effect bending and folding the eastern façade.

"This project is all about influence," said Bagley. "The billboard is about influencing people, so we wanted the view corridor to influence the shape of the building, with a ripple effect as the east facade folds and crinkles." 

"The billboard is certainly a prominent feature," said Dobre. "We had a requirement to maintain the view corridor and build around existing billboards, so we used that to aid the design, and in maximizing site development without interfering with legal requirements. We decided to embrace what was [viewed as] a limitation."

"We turned what could have been a huge hurdle for design and turned it into a 'wow' factor," said Algaze, adding that residents are not impacted from the signs due to billboard screens having directional baffles that eliminate light disturbance back to the apartments. 

Constructing around the billboard and next to a busy freeway offered various challenges to the contractor team, said KC Burns, Project Director for Salt Lake-based Jacobsen Construction, mainly being so directly in the public eye, along with limited access for material delivery from north and south roads only and limited space to choreograph the litany of heavy equipment, delivery trucks, lifts, and cranes. 

"Prior to construction, the billboard was removed and relocated slightly to allow it to be outside the building footprint—that's not something you see every day," said Burns. "The highway presented little issue itself; the exposure from passersby [traffic], however, kept us on our toes as there was a lot of oversight from freeway traffic. We became aware early that we either did it right, or it would be known immediately by all."

Spectacular views abound on this swanky outdoor patio, replete with cozy fire pit for residents looking to relax or perhaps socialize.

Mid-Century Modern Vibe a Major Owner 'Hot Button'

A native New Yorker, Algaze admitted not knowing much about Salt Lake City before 2020. With development in the Big Apple often slogging through myriad red tape, Abstract executives were looking to expand their geographical reach. When the pandemic hit, Algaze said "we tried to figure out other markets more in-depth, and as we dug into Salt Lake, we saw all the growth. Through a broker, we stumbled upon this site, and it came together. It's great here, especially in South Salt Lake. We think there is a lot of [future] growth here."


Algaze appreciates the industrial nature of this area, as it ties into his genuine love of mid-century modern architecture—think 1950s/60s Mad Men—and how he viewed the design of One Burton. He even referenced the famed Kaufman House in Palm Springs, Calif. (circa 1946). 


"I'm obsessed with mid-century modern architecture—we thought about how geometrical shapes and lines would look very cool against the mountains as we started design. The process with Architectural Nexus was awesome. I had a very specific idea in my head on day one and they totally pulled it off."


At just over 300,000 SF, the sizeable eight-story building has 180 units featuring studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, along with three retail spaces (two are leased). At the highway level and above, 360-degree views offer spectacular views stretching from the mountain peaks at the southeast all the way to the downtown skyline to the north.


Vertically, the building is composed with a study black brick base for three stories and white stucco for the five stories above. The simple, contrasting palette is complimented with a warm wood accent. Clean vertical lines of the base and strong horizontal lines of the balconies of the levels above hearken strongly to the modern aesthetic of the mid-century. 


At ground level, the public is welcomed with restaurants/retail storefronts along Main Street. To the north along Burton Avenue, residents and guests are greeted with a grand, inviting porte-cochère covering the drop-off drive, creating an elegant hotel-like ambience. The angled canopy structure and warm cedar soffit add depth to the mid-century design. 


Upon entering the two-story lobby, the mid-century theme takes another step, with a stunning wood-slatted grand staircase is its main highlight. It rises from the main level into a balcony overlook that creates a canopy for the reception desk below. The lobby backdrop features a beautiful, peacock blue accent wall with relief patterning. These elements, along with other materiality, color palette, furnishings and light fixtures all combine to create a wonderfully modern and fresh feel, but with a fun, mid-century nostalgic vibe.


The podium-style building has a base of three floors of type IA non-combustible construction (concrete) and 5 levels of type IIIA wood framed residential housing units above. The beautiful two-story lobby space is also highly functional with office and conference space, work areas, and private and public parking garages. 


The upper five floors house 180 units in 26 different layout configurations and finished with a bright white cement plaster system that undulates with the angled unit walls and extending balconies. 


Mechanical and electrical systems were completed via design-build delivery, and designed to be concealed and quiet, while architectural light fixtures with LED lighting are found throughout the building. 


Another impressive design/artistic feature is a series of seven butterfly murals on the exterior, brilliant artwork meant to inspire and elevate the character of the area. 


Other amenities include open and private workout rooms, a vibrant art room that leads out to an exterior courtyard with unique planters that mimic the varying angles of the building, an outdoor spa and spacious interior game room, and a clubhouse on level seven with a kitchen and seating that opens to a spacious outdoor patio with BBQ grills, a large-screen TV and a fire pit. 

Rooms are spacious and tastefully designed, with ample daylighting and excellent views.

Construction Challenges Handled 

with Aplomb by a Strong Team

Burns said beyond navigating a tight site, other challenges for the construction team included building the porte-cochère, modifying road/grade surface levels, and dealing with a structure with varying angles, corners, and other exciting design elements that aren't simple to build. 


"The porte-cochère is set on custom tapered columns in an angled array; they don't make a shape that tapers precisely the way we needed," said Burns. "Each had to be created and engineered to handle the imposed loads."


The shape and style of the building is also unlike anything that's been built in the multi-family arena in recent memory in Utah—this was no 'cookie-cutter' design, and it tested contractors.


"The design did not follow the orthogonal approach common in similar structures," said Burns. "Some multi-family projects are so cost-conscious they can feel and sometimes look like a Lego building where bland units are stacked vertically in differing colored blocks. One Burton tried to shake it up and have balconies and units comprised of angled supports and lines that added depth and purposeful complexity."


In addition, Burns said, "the roof structure is a cast-in-place extension to the post-tensioned slab. The cantilever had to be entirely supported by shoring while members were cautiously and selectively demolished in place so the struts could be weaved in underneath. Great care was taken to ensure what was removed would not compromise the canopy." 


"The overhangs are the things we were proudest of," said Dobre. "They were not easy to create. Contractors needed to use extra steel and carefully engineer it to have larger triangular overhangs."


"The units and wings stack up, particularly on the north face," added Bagley. "There is a stepping, tiered quality to the units from the east side to the west side balconies. I also love the front entry onto Burton Avenue—it's an exciting two-story lobby space. The way we have columns cantilevered out to carry the canopy turned out well. It plays off the mid-modern style." 


"This is the first of many projects that will transform our community," said Cherie Wood, Mayor of South Salt Lake, adding that she grew up on Burton Avenue a couple of blocks east of One Burton, and is thrilled at the prospect of a genuine "downtown" area of the city.


"No corners were cut; thank you for caring, and for turning a page in our community and doing something big and different." 



“We wanted to create a place that represents the heart and soul of South Salt Lake," added Algaze. "After a few bumps in the road, we saw an opportunity at this corner, a place that felt underappreciated but was blossoming with potential," adding that he appreciates the character of the industrial neighborhood and other local businesses nearby, including creative and artistic companies, skilled trades, and breweries. "This neighborhood can turn very quickly into something big."

One Burton

Location: South Salt Lake 

Start/Completion: Nov. 2022/May 2025 

Cost: $70 million

Delivery Method: CM/GC

Stories/Levels: 8

Square Footage: 304,203

Units: 180

Owner: Abstract Development Company


Design Team

Architect: Architectural Nexus

Civil: Psomas Engineering

Electrical: (Design-Build) Conelco w/ Jordan Skala Engineers

HVAC & Plumbing: (Design-Build) UMC w/ Rocky Mountain Consulting Engineers

Structural: BHB Engineers

Geotechnical: GSH Geotechnical

Interior Design: Architectural Nexus

Landscape Architect: Architectural Nexus

Pool Design: Water Design Inc.

Acoustic Consultant: Resolut Group


Construction Team

General Contractor: Jacobsen Construction

Concrete: JRock Construction

Plumbing/HVAC: Utah Mechanical Contractors 

Electrical: Conelco Electric

Masonry & Precast: Troy Hales Masonry 

Drywall: Tolman Drywall

Painting: Performance Painting Company

Tile/Stone: Millcreek Tile

Millwork: CP Build; Boswell

Flooring: JCC

Roofing: D7 Roofing

Glazing/Curtain Wall: USI 

Waterproofing: Guaranteed Waterproofing 

Steel Fabrication: Clegg Steel

Steel Erection: Clegg Steel 

Excavation: Sunroc

Landscaping: Sinc Constructors

Demolition: TID

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?

Limitless Sky

By Brad Fullmer • August 1, 2025
Standing atop the now-tallest building in Utah—the dynamic 451-foot, 680,000-SF Astra Tower in downtown Salt Lake City—Lance Shields was succinct in describing the otherworldly, 360-degree views available from the 41st-floor rooftop patio. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” mused Shields, a Principal with Salt Lake-based HKS Architects and one of a half-dozen architects on HKS’ team who contributed to the design of Astra Tower, which features 377 total units, two levels of penthouse suites, and more than 40,000-SF of top-shelf amenity space. Peering southeast to majestic views of the Wasatch Mountains, Shields referenced the striking cantilever structure gracing the building’s southeast corner—a concession that preserved the breathtaking view by eliminating what would have been a structural column. Adding this approximately $2 million change to the bottom line only further illustrated the owner’s desire for a world-class luxury apartment tower. “The uninterrupted views of the valley are really breathtaking at the top floor and is the one thing that visitors I have taken through the project consistently comment on as the best experience they have had,” said Shields, adding that it would have been easy to justify a column in that corner. “I have to hand it to the vision of our team and the owner to see the value of the views and taking steps to preserve it.” Indeed, Boston-headquartered Kensington Investment Company (KIC) had been eyeing the Salt Lake market since 2017, ready to make a splash. In 2018, it purchased the site once home to Carl’s Jr. and hired HKS in 2019 to get the ball rolling on the design side. The pandemic forced KIC to pause its timeline, with construction formally kicking off in January 2022, led by Salt Lake-based Jacobsen Construction. “We were taking an enormous risk and writing a massive check while making sure we had as many people with experience on our team as we practically could,” said Ed Lewis, CEO of KIC. “We asked ourselves if Salt Lake City was ready for this kind of product—with no [like-building comparisons] to look to—while making the project financially successful. Putting together the capital stack with no comps in the state, and ensuring the team knew what they were doing, was challenging.” Engagement with the community was a priority from the start, said Shane Rensmon, President of Real Estate Development for KIC, as was finding local A/E/C firms with the moxie to take on a unique hybrid design-build project of this magnitude, a delivery method “not common in Salt Lake City, but common across major markets,” he said. “Ownership wanted to utilize local consultants and vendors as much as possible to get the community involved and engaged with the project, which presented new challenges in designing and constructing Astra Tower,” said Rensmon. “We leveraged [KIC’s] skills and experiences to help guide the design and construction teams on issues that they have not seen before or had little to no experience in.” Hotel-like Vibe with Unmatched Amenities Emir Tursic is no stranger to massive projects, having cut his teeth in the hospitality realm as a draftsman-turned-project architect for HKS on Block A of the enormous $10 billion MGM City Center project in Las Vegas from 2007-2008, which included the 61-story, 600,000-SF Aria Hotel. “It was a project I grew up very quickly with,” recalled Tursic, Office Director for HKS’ Salt Lake office, who ended up managing part of the project before it ended. “After this, I could go to the moon and not be scared of anything.” Even amidst the challenges for Tursic and his team, Astra Tower proved to be one of the most exciting, generational opportunities in the realm of world-class residential high-rise design that—ho-hum—also sets a record as the state’s tallest-ever building. “We wanted to create a sustainable urban community that focuses on wellness and sustainability,” said Tursic. “Sustainability is not just about energy and carbon footprint, it’s also [about] health and wellness and the environment. We have this huge amenity program—40,000 SF of indoor and outdoor amenities space focused on physical and mental health.” Tursic said dispersing major amenities across three building levels was a key functional design consideration. Level 8 kicks things off with an expansive club lounge that includes a demonstration kitchen and entertainment area, a state-of-the-art fitness center where views overlook Gallivan Plaza, a remote office space with a conference room and meeting rooms, and what Tursic calls “The bonus space”—an expansive 10,000 SF outdoor urban park. “Instead of a roof on top of the eight-story parking structure, we created a space with an outdoor lawn, hammocks, fire pits, grills—it’s a great social space for Astra’s residential community,” he said. Level 23 includes the outdoor pool and indoor spa, highlighted by a wellness center, steam room, sauna, recovery spas, treatment rooms, and private locker rooms. The pool deck overlook offers excellent views of the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. Level 41 tops the amenity spaces—literally—with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment area, and a spacious outdoor viewing deck that looks down on Salt Lake’s adjacent tallest buildings. “We wanted to provide a variety of experiences,” said Tursic. “The 41st floor is meant for quiet and solitude.” ROAM Interior Design of Los Angeles provided interior design on every level. "With Astra Tower, we set out to design interiors that reflect both the soul and natural beauty of Utah, infused with the energy of modern city living," said Deanne Teeter, Design Director at ROAM. “Every amenity—from the tranquil spa on the 23rd floor to the rooftop lounge with panoramic views—is intentionally crafted to foster wellness through biophilic connection and a true sense of home in the sky." “Astra Tower was purposefully designed to exemplify KIC's commitment to o perating market-leading apartment buildings, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and an unwavering dedication to service excellence,” said Joe Bird, Vice President of Real Estate Development for KIC. “This intentional design ensures an unparalleled living experience, blending sophisticated facilities with exceptional resident-focused service to set a new standard for urban residential excellence in Utah.”

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)