Nu Skin project calls for razing of Kress building

PROVO — The Kress building in downtown Provo will be razed if Nu Skin goes ahead with a $40 million expansion of its international corporate headquarters.

Gary Garrett, vice president of corporate affairs, told the Provo City Council recently that Nu Skin is taking steps to purchase the space where a new six-story, 120,000-square-foot office building would be built.

"Since our last meeting, we have put an offer on that property, and it is under contract," Garrett said. "The Kress building is not part of the project, and this building will be demolished."

City Council attorney Neil A Lindberg said the building is not historically significant.

The council scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, March 2 on a proposal to vacate 100 West between Center Street and 100 South as part of the project. Nu Skin has plans to build an atrium and develop "privately owned public space" where the road now lies.

Garrett said the first floor of the new building will be retail space for a product center and cafe. Nu Skin's product center is now located on the north side of Center Street, and the company's cafe is now located inside Nu Skin's existing 10-story building.

The company hopes to start the project this summer and complete it in 18 months.

— Marc Haddock