Salt Lake County picks first partners for Salt Palace renovation

Salt Lake County has announced the selection of the first of several partners with which it will contract for the renovation of the Salt Palace Convention Center, a cornerstone of the planned Sports, Entertainment, Culture and Convention (SECC) District in downtown Salt Lake City. 

The county has selected a joint venture between Salt Lake City’s Construction Control Corp. and global construction consultancy Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) to handle construction management and cost control.

A second partnership of Utah’s MHTN Architects and Kansas City-based international design firm Populous has been chosen for the facility’s design.

Both partnerships of a local company and national or global firm submitted their bids together.

Salt Lake County also announced that, after a competitive bid process, it has renewed the Salt Palace management contract with Legends Global, the firm formerly known as ASM Global.

The county has also issued a request for proposals for a construction firm to build the complex.

“These selections represent some of the best talent in the industry, with a unique and necessary blending of local and national expertise,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “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.

“Through this collaborative effort, beloved venues and spaces will be improved and there will be better walkability and connectivity downtown,” Wilson continued. “The reimagined area will serve as a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. We have deep gratitude for the Utah State Legislature, our partners at Salt Lake City, Smith Entertainment Group and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for making this possible.”

“The SECC District finally coming to fruition is the result of many coordinated efforts to create a shared vision of a revitalized downtown,” the county said in a release. “The public-private conversations that initially focused on the idea of a more vibrant downtown have transformed into crucial public-private partnerships. SECC District partners are committed to continuing to move forward, together, to build and maintain a public space that reflects the many interests of those who use and occupy it.”

Construction Control Corp. is a Utah company that has provided cost estimating services for the construction industry since its founding in 1984. It has estimated over 4,000 projects, ranging from minor remodels to $200 million building programs. Rider Levett Bucknall is a global independent construction, property and management consulting firm. It has consulted on projects such as the Sacramento Convention Center in California, the University of Colorado Health campus and the PNC Tower in Pittsburgh.

Founded in 1923, MHTN Architects is Utah’s oldest architectural firm and has designed many of Utah’s landmark buildings across sectors including education, health care, civic and commercial. Populous is a global company with offices on five continents. Its portfolio includes work for major events, including the Olympics, FIFA World Cup and the Super Bowl.