Huntsman said the center shows that "a divided city could be brought together" and called the center "a great salvation instead of a division." Anderson said the center brings closure to the Main Street Plaza debate, "one of the most divisive, contentious disputes in Salt Lake City history."

The center is being built in Salt Lake City's Glendale neighborhood, one of the state's more diverse areas. Councilman Van Turner, who represents the area, called it "Utah's melting pot."

Councilman Dave Buhler said that the center is a celebration of more than the city's diversity and differences — it is a symbol of residents' ability to work together.

"There's so many things that people look at that divide us," Buhler said. "There's so much more that unites us."

The center is expected to be completed in late October 2007. In compliance with a recently approved city ordinance, it will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards.

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