Gallivan Center makeover getting under way

SALT LAKE CITY — The Gallivan Center's $8 million makeover starts now.

Big-D Construction, the contractor selected for the project, will begin construction at the popular downtown plaza immediately, with completion slated for April 2011, city officials announced Monday.

The project will include a two-story structure along 200 South, an expanded amphitheater and an at-grade skating rink. The outdoor rink will be completed in time for the annual Lights On celebration in November, officials said.

A number of events will continue at the Gallivan Center throughout construction, including Wednesday Rocks and Craft Lake City. The Lunch Bunch concerts also will continue during construction.

The Twilight Concert Series is the biggest casualty of the construction process. The popular summer series will leave its longtime home at the Gallivan in favor of another location, which officials will announce Thursday.

— Aaron Falk