Salt Lake City is setting the stage for a massive downtown transformation by selecting key partners for the Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention (SECC) District. Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) has officially tapped HKS, a recognized global architectural firm, to lead the master design plan for the entertainment district. This move signals an evolving partnership between SEG and multiple stakeholders, aiming to rejuvenate downtown SLC into a thriving hub for locals and visitors. SEG has expressed enthusiasm for "continued collaboration" with various community leaders and residents during this process, as reported by ABC4 News.
In conjunction with SEG's announcement, Salt Lake County has disclosed its own selections for the district’s renovation. Populous Holdings, Inc., together with Utah’s own MHTN Architects, have been chosen to spearhead the architectural renovation. Additionally, local firm Construction Control Corporation and Rider Levett Bucknall, a Sacramento-based consultancy, will oversee construction efforts. ABC4 News reveals that HKS, besides their new role in SLC’s district, is not new to large projects, having previously worked on notable sites such as AT&T Stadium and SoFi Stadium in California. Their prior work was discussed in an interview shared with KSL TV.
Bids from the firms were submitted in partnerships, pairing local knowledge with global expertise. This collaborative approach is a strategic move supported by Salt Lake County, which sees it as essential for the high-profile project. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson emphasized the importance of this unique blend, stating, "As excited as I am to see the new district develop and our visitor economy grow, I’m most excited about enhancing community opportunities through intentional placemaking." Her comments were obtained through a news release covered by Building Salt Lake.
Further developments in the downtown overhaul include renewing a property management contract with Legends Global, demonstrating the county's commitment to operating and enhancing existing venues seamlessly. Salt Lake County also signaled that its Request for Proposals (RFP) for a construction company is ongoing to ensure that all development efforts meet its defined standards and community needs.
