The Rise of Skyscrapers in Downtown Salt Lake City: A New Era for Business

In the mid-1990s, the skyscraper 'skyscraper 1996 gif' made its debut in downtown Salt Lake City, marking a significant turning point in the city's economic development. Today, the scene is set to change once again with the construction of several new office towers and hotels. This article will explore the current state of affairs and what it means for businesses in the area.

As Lara Fritts, former economic development director of Salt Lake City, aptly put it, 'We know that those building spaces will be absorbed as they come on line because there is a demand out there.' The city's lack of large contiguous office spaces has long been an issue, but with projects like 650 Main and 95 State in the works, this problem is finally being addressed.

One such project is 95 State, a 25-story office tower set to be completed by fall 2021. Located on the northeast corner of State Street and 100 South, the building will feature nearly 498,000 square feet of top-grade offices marketed specifically to technology companies, as well as typical tenants from the legal and financial sectors.

Another notable project is the City Creek Reserve development arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to 95 State, they are also building a 28-story Convention Center Hotel on the southeast corner of the existing Salt Palace by 2022.

The hotel will feature 750 rooms, meeting halls, and a grand ballroom, with Salt Lake County guaranteeing $75 million in post-performance tax incentives to build it. This government-subsidized project aims to spur new and bigger convention business in the area.

Other notable projects include the Union Pacific Hotel, which will be built into the historic Union Pacific Depot and feature an upscale hotel with 225 rooms, as well as several multistory digital screens at street level on 200 South.

The Athens Group is pursuing this project, which will also include a grand ballroom and meeting halls. Additionally, plans are underway to convert the old Salt Palace into a convention center.

In recent years, downtown Salt Lake City has seen significant growth, with projects like the 24-story office building at 111 Main opening in 2016. As these new developments come online, it's clear that the city is poised for even more economic growth and development in the future.

With large contiguous office spaces now available, businesses are set to thrive in this newly revitalized downtown area. Whether you're a tech company looking for top-grade offices or a convention business seeking meeting halls and grand ballrooms, Salt Lake City has something to offer.

In conclusion, the rise of skyscrapers in downtown Salt Lake City is not only a reflection of the city's growth but also an indicator of its commitment to economic development. As these new developments come online, it will be exciting to see how they shape the future of this thriving city.

Skyscraper 1996 gif