Taking Another Shot

Cal Wadsworth has resurrected his general contractor firm with the goal of eventually handing the reins over to his sons. 
By Brad Fullmer

At an age when most folks are kicking off their post-retirement "golden years", 66-year-old Cal Wadsworth is attacking this chapter of his life with the zest of a man reborn, having fired back up his general contractor firm in 2020 with a vision of eventually turning it over to the next generation.

It speaks to his resolve as a businessman and construction lifer, as a parent who wants to do right by his children, but even more as a person who has rallied/is rallying back from a challenging period personally, which coincided with the great recession and led to him shuttering Cal Wadsworth Construction in 2010. 

"I'm realizing more with time that I'm not in control as much I thought," said Wadsworth. "There is the realization that you've got to give up control. You can't base all your happiness on the money that comes from this business. Learning to live with disappointments is something I'm getting better at. Learning to live with them and not let them ruin my confidence, or my ambition. I live by the 'Serenity Prayer'."

Cal Wadsworth (center) is flanked by sons Chris (left) and Jordan at the firm’s office in Draper. Cal started his general building firm back up in 2020 after a decade doing other things, including becoming a renowned chef. 

Lone Wolf 

The second of seven sons born to Ralph and Peggy Wadsworth, Cal grew up working on the family farm, which later transitioned to working in construction when his father founded Draper-based heavy-highway general contractor Ralph L. Wadsworth (RLW) Construction in 1975. After several years working for the family business—and navigating a competitive environment that offered its fair share of friction, Cal decided he was ready for a fresh start and founded Cal Wadsworth Construction (CWC) in 1984, where he was able to display his jack-of-all-trades versatility as a contractor. 


He initially started out as a subcontractor on RLW Construction projects before branching out as a general contractor specializing in small public projects that he could complete himself.


"I started out doing piece meal work (for Ralph); I'd give him a bid for painting at half price, so he started farming out miscellaneous jobs to me," Cal recalled. "I was making him money because I was cheap and figured as long as I'm making $10 an hour, I'm doing great. I started taking on more work from other sources and that was pivotal for me."


Cal hooked up with Dave Woodman, formerly of Assist Inc., and found ample work that was also fulfilling because of the people being helped. Assist Inc. was founded in Utah 1969 as an independent, non-profit Community Design Center that provides a host of services to people in need, including housing repair for low-income households and design-assist for people with disabilities. 


"I became a framer, electrician, roofer—I was doing everything, a jack-of-all-trades," said Cal. "I know how to work with my hands for sure. I spent so many years with a toolbelt on, years of working alone. I became more of a social worker and began to spend more time with clients. A lot were widowed, impoverished. I'd get a call to put a door in and end up chatting for 90 minutes...they'd invite me to have lunch, tell the story of their life. Dave Woodman even encouraged [and appreciated] that. It gave me more work." 


He also did various projects for nearly a decade for the Salt Lake Redevelopment Agency, mainly doing home improvement and T.I. work for SLC residents. One of his favorite projects was the Activity Barn at Wheeler Farm in 1990. Cal was also active in with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Utah, serving as Chairman in 2002. In 2003, Cal moved to Arizona, setting up shop in Cave Creek, a small city north of Phoenix. Over the next five years, work in the Grand Canyon State was plentiful and the firm thrived, particularly in the K-12 market, doing renovation and T.I. projects across the state for various school districts. Then came the recession beginning in 2008, and by 2010 he was forced to shut down all operations.


"Bad things happen to all people," he said, adding that it took him some time to figure out what to do next.


Contractor to Chef 

Cal realized the need to switch gears—starting with a career change—and enrolled in culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale. From 2010-2012 he worked for his brother, Guy Wadsworth (owner of Draper-based Wadsworth Brothers Construction), as a baker at Tuscany in Salt Lake, then opened The Ridge in Draper with his wife, Gaye, with financial backing from his brother, Tod Wadsworth (Vice President of Draper-based Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction). From 2012-2018, Cal was the primary chef, while Gaye ran the front of the house operations for the quaint restaurant. 


"It sounds romantic," he quipped about the reality of working side-by-side, day-after-day, with your spouse, in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment. "It's not. I'm not the easiest guy to get along with sometimes." 


Tod said Cal approached the job with utmost professionalism and with the same tenacity he does as a contractor.


"It's a different business altogether, where Cal was into perfection and meal presentation," said Tod. "He worked seven days a week for years and put his heart and soul into that business. I think it was a great opportunity for him to try something he always had a passion for and get it out of his system. He is one of the best chefs I know, one that truly puts the time and effort into his work, using the best ingredients and cutting no corners."


After six years, Cal was ready to get back to the construction world and returned to Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction as a Project Manager in 2018, a stint that lasted two years. He managed two notable projects during this time, including the Timpanogos Visitor's Center in American Fork Canyon and The Cliffs at Jordan Station, a $32 million, 220-unit project. 


He ultimately left RLW and hooked up with Jeff Davis of Construction Management Consultants, working with him for a year and eventually getting CWC relaunched in March 2020, right as COVID-19 hit. 

  • Deer Creek Campground

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  • Salt Lake International Airport. Glycol Plant

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  • Salt Lake International Airport. Gate 39

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Recent projects include the Deer Creek Campground Improvements, and two projects at the Salt Lake International Airport: a new Glycol Plant and Gate 39.  The firm also made significant improvements to Green River Campground.  (Photos courtesy of Cal Wadsworth Construction)

Next Gen Up; Bringing Seasoned Talent Aboard

Growing up, Chris and Jordan had zero interest in following in their father's footsteps, but by the end of 2021, both found themselves in situations that were not viable long-term. The prospect of connecting with Cal on a professional level and learning the construction trade from him was enticing. Cal at that time was looking for help, but unsure if his sons had interest in joining him. 


"Growing up, they wanted nothing to do with this business [...] so it was interesting they came to work for me after all these years and this late in their life," said Cal, with Chris (37) and Jordan (33) in their mid-30s. "I just called them out of the blue one day and asked 'Are you happy? I could sure use your help'." 


In February of 2022, Chris left his job of eight years in business development for a drug testing company to join Cal. Jordan, who had been with Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction for three years as a project engineer and software specialist, followed in May. 


"The opportunity to work in the family business and switch industries was appealing [...] take a leap of faith and jump in," said Chris. 


"I had reached a point where I didn't want to pursue climbing the ladder where I was at," said Jordan. "Chris was already on board, which did help." 

In addition to his title of President, Cal is the firm's lone estimator, which hearkens back to his early days of being a veritable one-man band and doing everything himself. 


"I enjoy the bidding process, I enjoy estimating—it's a lonely endeavor," said Cal. "It's like studying for a test. You have to do that in solitude."


"Cal is relentless in his pursuit of doing things right," said Chris. "He doesn't accept mediocrity. He's scrappy when it comes to finding ways to maximize profits on jobs."


"He doesn't think roadblocks exist," added Jordan. "You find a way through, around, over it. When a door opens, you walk through it." 


Chris works in operations and finance, while Jordan is a ProCore software expert and works in a project controls role. Both will be expected to learn business development and project management over the next 5-7 years before deciding on how best to transition ownership. 


"It is great to see Cal continue the Wadsworth family's construction legacy by hopping back into the construction business with Chris and Jordan," said Kip Wadsworth, CEO of Draper-based Wadsworth Development Group. "This is a great move as working with family is very gratifying, provides a succession plan for Cal, and will carry on the Wadsworth's reputation for hard work, quality and integrity."


The firm has made solid strides in four years, with 50% annual growth three years running, and growing to 17 total employees, including the additions of industry veterans—Jordan Boyer, Cory Wadsworth (a cousin), Mike Carroll, and Trent Stronghorn. All four have 30+ years of construction experience and a passion for building quality projects.


The firm remains committed to working on smaller public projects—Cal's bread-and-butter for many years—and recent projects like the $3.5 million Deer Creek State Park Campground in Provo Canyon, an expansion of the Park and Wait Lot at the Salt Lake International Airport, two Amtrak Railroad stations in Southern Utah, and a $3.5 million park plaza project in the Marmalade District of SLC—a project which Chris described as a "very complicated, cool project" that underscores CWC's prowess in the public market. That said, Cal knows gaining traction in the private development market is essential for long-term prosperity for CWC. 


"We've hired some talented people recently, which is a significant investment for us," said Cal. "We're trying to develop a private market segment so we're not just doing public procurement work. We hope this is a move in the right direction and allows us to do our job better and grow the company."


He continued, "We're more focused on building a team and sharpening our tools before we march into battle is one way to look at it. We're not on this instant crusade to achieve success as fast as possible. I'm more interested in slow, moderate growth, preserving a quality of life, and along the way mentoring and teaching other people. That's more my focus this time around... trying to help (Chris and Jordan) so they can run it without me. "I'm optimistic about the chance we have to succeed and grow the company."


Tod said the re-establishment of CWC offers lasting upside to Cal and his family.



"(The benefit) is two-fold; a way for him to continue the next chapter of CWC and a way for him to give back," he said. "There's something special about building projects for others, either private or public, that gives you the feeling and satisfaction of giving back, along with the ability to admire your work and share with your family for generations to come. Personally, I am proud of his efforts and the drive to overcome past failures or experiences and turn them into success stories, especially with his boys."

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)