Salt Lake County Retains a Series of Experts in the Next Phase of the Salt Palace Convention Center Renovation

SALT LAKE COUNTY, UT — Salt Lake County is excited to share that significant progress is underway on the next phase of revitalization of the Salt Palace Convention Center, a cornerstone of the Sports, Entertainment, Culture and Convention (SECC) District. 

After months of planning, reviewing, and assessing the benefits of a renovated convention center, Salt Lake County has selected several key private partners to lead critical aspects of the renovation.

• Construction Control Corporation/RLB – Local and global “owner’s representative,” construction and cost management
• MHTN/Populous – Local and global architectural design expertise

The local and national/global firms selected submitted their bid together, Construction Control Corporation and RLB partnered on their bid, as did MHTN and Populous. Demonstrating, from the onset, the value of collaborative expertise on this highly anticipated project. 

Additionally, after a competitive bid process, Salt Lake County renewed the Salt Palace management contract with Legends Global (formerly ASM Global). 

The Request for Proposal (RFP) process for a construction firm is currently in progress, marking another major step forward in transforming our downtown into a vibrant, connected, and modern destination.

“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. 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 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.

Whether attending one of the 80+ sports events happening each year, enjoying the incredible musical talents of the Utah Symphony at the beloved Abravanel Hall, participating in a convention at an award-winning venue, visiting Temple Square, seeing a live performance, experiencing the historic culture of Japantown, or checking out the art at UMOCA, the reinvented public space will offer something for everyone. Salt Lake County looks forward to continuing collaboration, for years to come, with the many public and private partners involved in the Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District.  

About Construction Control Corporation (CCC)
Construction Control Corporation is a Utah company that has provided cost estimating services for the construction industry since its founding in 1984. They have estimated over 4,000 projects, ranging from minor remodels to $200 million building programs. They estimate all aspects of the construction project, including mechanical and electrical systems. Unlike general contractors who assemble costs from subcontractors and suppliers, Construction Control Corporation quantifies and prices all materials, labor and equipment in the project. Their clients include architects, owners, developers, contractors, and government entities. 

About Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)
Rider Levett Bucknall is a global independent construction, property, and management consultancy providing a full range of services to maximize value in all areas of the built environment. RLB has a long tradition of delivering expert advice on some of the region’s most iconic projects from transforming and modernizing the Sacramento Convention Center in California to working alongside University of Colorado Health to deliver ground-breaking healthcare facilities and assisting architects to deliver environmentally friendly high-rise buildings like the PNC Tower in Pennsylvania.  

About MHTN Architects
Founded in 1923, MHTN Architects is Utah’s oldest architecture firm with a century-long commitment to creating meaningful spaces that enhance community life. The firm has designed many of Utah’s landmark buildings across sectors including education, healthcare, civic and commercial. MHTN recently became the first architectural firm in Utah to achieve WELL Building Certification for their Salt Lake City headquarters, demonstrating their leadership in creating healthy, sustainable environments. 

About Populous
Populous is a global architecture and design practice specializing in creating environments that draw people together for shared experiences. With over 40 years of experience and offices on five continents, Populous has designed some of the world’s most recognizable sports venues, convention centers, and exhibition facilities. The firm’s portfolio includes work for major events including the Olympics, FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl. Populous has extensive experience in convention center design, including projects such as the BMO Centre expansion in Calgary and their recent selection for Lincoln’s new Downtown Convention Center alongside Clark & Enersen Partners.

About Legends Global
Recently united Legends and ASM Global, now Legends Global, are the industry’s premier partner for the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands – built on unmatched expertise, innovation, and scale.  With a powerful global network of over 450 venues worldwide, they pride themselves on always putting their partners front and center and operating in complete alignment with your goals.