Walking Between Two Towers

The Aster showcases the mighty potential of mixed-use development in Salt Lake to generate a new wave of downtown buzz.

By Taylor Larsen

Traveling back in time just five years ago would have revealed something far different than what stands today at 255 South State.

What “stood” five years ago wasn’t standing but idling. Unfinished concrete and steel floors and the death rattle of a fourth floor were a better testament to street art and graffiti than the built environment. That previous project, Plaza at State, was ultimately scrapped a few years after its 2012 groundbreaking once poor financial planning and subsequent engineering reports revealed that the project was doomed to collapse. 

Salt Lake City’s Redevelopment Agency (RDA) repurchased the land in 2017 before launching an RFQ the following year in hopes of transforming the property into something financially accessible for residents, thereby energizing this pocket of downtown just east of Gallivan Plaza.

In stepped Chicago-based Brinshore Development, designers at KTGY’s Los Angeles office, and Ogden-based general contractors Wadman Corporation to bring forward The Aster, a two-tower, mixed-use development overlooking above State Street. 

For Whitney Weller, Senior Vice President of Brinshore Development, the chance to build something unique—downtown, mixed-use, mixed-income, pedestrian-centric, connective—made The Aster a “must-build” project for their team. “Creating a vibrant and engaging space was a compelling draw.”

Keith McCloskey, Associate Principal at KTGY, appreciated the broad vision and program required by the RDA to bring forward such an ambitious project. He said the RDA’s specific expectations, affordable housing, underground parking, and a mid-block walkway, provided the initial direction for the design team to work.

But broader constraints of utilizing high-level architectural and urban design principles would be where design and construction would work wonders. These would mesh with a site plan and building design to promote active street life and integrate into its local context—the project’s ultimate goal.

A New Standard in Affordability

The project requirements started with the housing component, crucial for Salt Lake’s emergence as a livable, vibrant city. The Aster brings in 11 units per floor in the north high-rise tower and 10 units per floor in the south mid-rise tower, totaling 190 units—168 reserved for residents earning between 20% and 80% of the area median income. 

Design and construction would also need to preserve Cramer House, a historic piece of Salt Lake on the property’s eastern boundary. But the requirement to create a mid-block walkway connecting the project’s western boundary on State Street and its eastward boundary on Floral Street would test the KTGY team and their design mettle. 

McClosky said his team began by designing the connective paseo walkway running through the site and then allowing the remaining triangulated geometries to act as starting points for the two mixed-use towers.

“Our goal [as architects] is to take something irregular and bring order to it,” he said of the challenge of taking the resulting area and creating a transformative mixed-use development. While design called for towers at two different heights—12 stories for the north tower; eight stories for the south tower—construction began in earnest to remedy the site and build up the mixed-use development.

Construction and design teams created vibrant, engaging spaces that set a new standard in downtown affordable housing. (photos courtesy Wadman, by Red Shift Media) Amenities include a public paseo and special events area, as well as various outdoor spaces that offer downtown views.

Tight Site, Collaborative Neighbors


The project is property line to property line, explained Wadman’s north tower Superintendent Isaac Mittelstaedt, making on-site laydown areas nearly nonexistent. On-time deliveries and work from the project’s various scopes required the highest level of scheduling and coordination.


“Working downtown is definitely a whole different animal than working just about anywhere else,” said Shawn Conroy, Wadman’s Superintendent for the south tower. “We had to think outside the box almost daily in order to complete this project.”


Both explained how friendly neighbors in the nearby offices and commercial spaces aided the project’s success. While one tenant allowed the construction team to utilize a portion of their property, another gave the project team vehicles access to the nearby parking garage, even allowing the Wadman team to place their temporary internet satellite on top of the garage.


Work between the public entities and the project team closed State Street during nightly concrete pours and allowed Baker Concrete to supply the pump trucks run by Frontline Concrete. But getting the concrete placed throughout the towers was an example of the high-wire act of downtown multifamily development, especially as concrete shortages took their turn in wreaking havoc on construction schedules in 2022.


“We were pouring over a thousand yards a day,” Conroy said of the concrete flow going to the job site before material shortages and plant closures slowed the flow to a trickle. After that, suppliers informed the construction team they would be lucky to receive a ready-mix truck on site every day.


Mittelstaedt said that the dearth of concrete kept the superintendents on their toes. “We had to break the pours up into smaller areas. We also redirected work until we could get the quantity of concrete needed for the next pour.”



Concrete and Steel Build Up


Structural reinforced concrete columns and post-tension (PT) decks on the north tower extend from the underground parking garage to the third-floor transfer deck. Infinity Structural Systems and their Epicore MSR concrete and metal decks rise from third through twelfth floors and round out the extent of the concrete used there. 


The south tower utilizes more wood framing but still contains structural concrete and PT decks from that shared parking garage until the fourth-floor transfer deck.


The light and heavy-gauge metal studs that frame interior and exterior walls, respectively, combine with the rebar and make up just some of the metal found in and on the building. Issac explained the work to incorporate the Infinity Structural System and pre-panelized metal studs on the north tower were essential differentiating factors on the project. 


It worked so well on this project that it turned Mittelstaedt into an evangelist for the framing and decking system, especially with the work between Wadman and trade partner MDA Construction, who installed the Infinity Structural System. 


From helping with ceiling heights and sound attenuation to the product’s superb fire, smoke, and gas protection ratings, the system is a cost-efficient way to bring those benefits while allowing for greater unit density than other methods, according to McCloskey, the Infinity Structural System helped to keep the project moving at the brisk pace necessary to meet funding and budget goals while providing the project with a bit more steel.


Building Home


Metals on the building façade installed in varying colors and panel types rise from ground level across the two towers. Conroy said the exterior facades consist of Reynobond aluminum composite panels, steel “R Panels” from Corrugated Metals, AEP’s metal wall panels, and ground floor window walls with an aluminum storefront.


Inside that storefront, McCloskey said the architectural team designed the exact fit and finishes for each of The Aster’s units, whose mix runs the gamut from studio to four-bedroom and even live-work units on the south tower’s ground floor.


Whether it is market-rate or income-based housing, McCloskey added, “The goal is to create a place where people want to go home to […] where they can be proud of where they live.”


To create an appealing living space, interior community areas have a kitchen and plenty of seating for friends, family, and neighbors. Brilliant daylighting throughout the project combines well with the wood grain in cabinetry and elsewhere to draw out a homey level of comfort. Colorful BAUX wood wool panels in the two community rooms add an energy that matches the same lighting features found in the lobbies.


“[KTGY] created a great area, and they really put a lot of thought into what they were building,” said Isaac of building one half of the project. Instead of focusing on profit, he continued, “[Brinshore] created something unique that wasn’t just for the residents but also the community as a whole.”


Strollin’ Down the Paseo


The paseo walkway is a significant programming element that invigorates the site and ushers in opportunities for residents and the general public. 


“The key to urban projects such as this,” McCloskey said, “is ground floor activation and being able to create a permeable ground floor that allows pedestrian connections along the majority of the frontages.” 


In the case of The Aster, the ground floor comprises a large, diverse grouping of uses that face the paseo and public street, including residential lobbies, a food hall, live-work units, a community room, and event space.


McCloskey stated that walkability and the proximity of commercial spaces work as another amenity for residents, especially with a TRAX station just a short walk down the view corridor that extends through the paseo to Gallivan Avenue. Residents can stroll downstairs and enjoy a meal or coffee—or just sit and enjoy the surrounding energy from the paseo benches.


Ground floor retail options span the north tower’s walkway side, while the south tower houses two live-work units on its east side. McCloskey said these units are a great fit in mixed-use developments due to their flexible nature, with space befitting enterprises as varied as an ad agency, nail salon, or jewelry store. He said these units are invaluable for increasing housing density while creating an inviting commercial space buzzing with activity.


At the very end of the paseo stands another crown jewel—the 133-year-old Cramer House. The construction team fully renovated the historic building with structural, HVAC, and MEP upgrades to ready it for the incoming food and beverage tenant.


With the paseo functioning as a view corridor, the Cramer House can be the “active terminus,” as the path connects with Floral Street, McCloskey said. The hope, the architect continued, is that the excellent work done with the paseo helps to connect State Street further with the different bars, restaurants, and activity on Regent Street just to the east. 


“When we get that commercial component up and running and all residents moved in, it will be a destination,” said Weller. With the Salt Lake Film Society joining in as the property’s first commercial tenant, new residents moving into their new homes, and other commercial tenants arriving and bringing in new flavors and ideas, there is buzz again at 255 State.


THE ASTER

Owner/Developer: Brinshore Development, LLC

Architect: KTGY Architecture + Planning

General Contractor: Wadman Corporation

Civil Engineer: Anderson Wahlen & Associates

MEP Engineer: Royal Engineering

Structural Engineer: Fortis Structural, LLC

Geotech: GSH Geotechnical, Inc.

Interior Design: SAINT Studio

Landscape Architect: ArcSitio Design

Concrete: Baker Concrete/Green Construction/STAPP Construction

Plumbing: Utah Mechanical Contractors

HVAC: Utah Mechanical Contractors

Electrical: K2 Electric Incorporated

Masonry: Allen’s Masonry/RJ Masonry

Glass/Curtain Wall: Mountain Valley Glass

Steel Fabrication: Forge Metals

Steel Erection: Forge Metals/Infinity Structures/MDA Construction

Other Specialty Contractors: K&K Drywall, Keith Pulham Painting Inc, Ron J Peterson/Wesley Wilcox Finishing, Redd Roofing, WeatherSealed Inc., TEC Excavation, A-Core, Impact Demolition, Construction, Kevin Hull, CP Build Enterprises

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)