Kensington Investment 'tops out' Utah's 'new tallest building' in downtown Salt Lake City

The final steel beam for downtown Salt Lake City's Astra Tower begins its journey to the top of the structure. Adorned with the
signatures of nearly 600 workers and officials, the beam also sports a traditional construction "Christmas tree" and an American
flag. Touted as Utah's "new tallest building," the 41-story residential complex now rises to over 450 feet.

Construction crews recently placed the final steel beam atop the 41-floor Astra Tower high-rise in downtown Salt Lake City in a “topping out” ceremony. The event marked completion of structural steel work on what developers are touting as Utah’s “new tallest building.”

The residential tower at 100 East and 200 South has been steadily rising since the first above-grade concrete was poured earlier this year, rising a full level every seven days, on average, according to site contractors. Astra Tower now stands over 450 feet tall.

Approximately 600 people, most of them construction workers on the project, gathered for the ceremony to sign their names to the final steel beam before a crane set it into place atop the 41st floor. Attendees heard remarks from Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and project leaders, before celebrating with a jobsite barbecue to honor the achievements of the many construction teams on-site.

“Salt Lake City’s growing skyline is a testament to the excitement and vitality surrounding our urban core right now,” Mendenhall said. “Astra Tower will serve as a hub of activity downtown, creating an opportunity for its residents to enjoy all we have to offer. As it takes its place as the tallest building ever built in Utah, I also believe it’s representative of our bright future ahead.”

With the structural steel work is done, the focus of the Astra Tower project now turns to utilities systems and interior and exterior finishes. When complete in the fall of 2024, the tower will add 377 apartments to downtown Salt Lake City.

“Salt Lake City is quickly becoming a global city, and Astra Tower is leading the way,” said Ed Lewis, CEO of Kensington Investment Co., the Park City-based developer behind the project. “The city’s pro-business climate is attracting talent from across the world, creating demand for best-in-class luxury residences downtown. The Astra Tower project is a testament to Salt Lake becoming a cultural melting pot where people want to live, work and play, and it is taking the city to the next level.”

Led by general contractor Jacobsen Construction, more than 45 subcontractors and vendors have contributed to the project designed by global design firm HKS.

“With the structural elements of Astra Tower now fully in place, it’s clearer than ever to anyone who works, visits or lives downtown that this high-rise is a true game-changer for Salt Lake City,” said Doug Carley, senior project manager for Jacobsen.

Astra Tower’s apartments will include studios; one-, two-; and three-bedroom floorplans; and two levels of penthouse units. Amenities will include an outdoor urban park, a clubhouse with chef kitchen, a work lounge with conference rooms, a full-service fitness center with a multipurpose studio, an outdoor pool and terrace, a spa and wellness center and a large 41st-floor rooftop terrace.