Salt Lake County Announces Sale of Downtown Property to Spur Economic Growth and Revitalize Urban Core of the Capital City

Salt Lake County, Utah — Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and the County Council today unanimously supported a major step forward in the revitalization of downtown Salt Lake City through the approval of a resolution and agreement to sell approximately 6.5 acres of County-owned property to Smith Entertainment Group (SEG).

Additionally, this week, Salt Lake County will release a request for proposals (RFP) to select an architectural firm that will be responsible for the redesign of just under 50 percent of the Salt Palace Convention Center footprint.

The property, which will be purchased and developed by SEG, is located between South Temple and 100 South and 200 and 300 West in the heart of Salt Lake City. It currently houses convention center exhibit hall space and is surrounded by key venues, including Delta Center, Japan Town, Abravanel Hall, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and City Creek Center. The sale, which has been negotiated at market value, marks a transformative investment in Salt Lake County's economic future.

It is anticipated that upon the transfer of the land to SEG, the exhibit hall space will be demolished and rebuilt in a newly designed section of the Salt Palace. Construction will take place in a strategically phased approach to minimize disruption to planned events and a portion of the facility will remain operational throughout the process, ensuring that the Salt Place can continue to host conventions.

"This is more than a land transaction—it's a catalyst for long-term growth, a stronger downtown, and significant benefits to residents across Salt Lake County," said Mayor Jenny Wilson. "The redevelopment of this property will generate millions in tax revenue, attract major national and international events, and ensure Salt Lake City remains a premier destination for sports, entertainment, cultural events and tourism."

A resolution passed by the County Council outlines the anticipated future benefits of the sale, which include:

• New property tax revenue from converting the property from tax-exempt to taxable.
• Anchoring the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center has increased revenue. The arrival of Utah Hockey Club in April 2024 doubled the number of sporting events that will take place at the arena annually, drastically increasing the economic contribution from Delta Center through sales tax and attendee spending downtown.
• Increased local and state tax revenue from tourism and hospitality.
• The opportunity to connect and enhance premier downtown venues including Delta Center, Salt Palace Convention Center, City Creek and cultural venues. Additionally, a pathway from Delta Center to West Temple is proposed.
• Support for the planned upgrade of the Salt Palace Convention Center, which includes modernizing the Salt Palace Convention Center and adding a second ballroom. This will enable two conventions to take place simultaneously, generating an estimated $105 million in additional annual economic impact — on top of the $426 million the facility already contributes each year. The additional annual sales tax generated will be an estimated $6.3 million for the state, $4.2 million for Salt Lake County, and $1 million for Salt Lake City.

The resolution authorizes Mayor Wilson to execute the purchase and sale agreement and finalize the transaction with SEG. The property sale is expected to close following the completion of necessary procedural steps and final documentation.

"This sale is about smart planning and long-term vision," said Mayor Wilson. "It's a win for taxpayers, for our economy, and for the future of downtown and Salt Lake County."

"This innovative land transfer represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform downtown Salt Lake City and deliver lasting economic benefits that will reach every corner of Salt Lake County. I believe it is truly one of the most exciting and transformative projects our county has ever undertaken. It will generate millions in new property tax revenue, create jobs, boost tourism, strengthen local businesses across the county, and help fund critical upgrades to the Salt Palace Convention Center to help Utah maintain its status as a world-class event destination. Beyond the economic impact, this project will renew a sense of pride in our capital city — creating a vibrant space that residents and visitors alike can feel connected to and proud of for decades to come," said County Council Chair Dea Theodore.

"This project is a game-changer for my district, which encompasses downtown Salt Lake City. It revitalizes a key area, boosts our local economy, and connects the heart of downtown in a way that benefits locals and visitors alike," said County Council Member Arlyn Bradshaw.

As part of this project, the back-of-house areas at Abravanel Hall will be thoughtfully rebuilt to enhance functionality without impacting the concert hall itself. The Utah Symphony team will work closely with Salt Lake County throughout the process to ensure that any future updates to the hall and lobby are approached with the utmost care and respect. This balanced approach highlights Salt Lake County's commitment to both progress and preservation — honoring our past while investing in our future.

Salt Lake County will also coordinate directly with leadership at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. A joint fundraising and planning period will occur immediately to determine the next phase and location of a new museum.