Gallivan Center makeover is put on ice

The Gallivan Center makeover is on hold for now.

With a mea culpa from Salt Lake leaders, the city's redevelopment agency said it would delay the renovation plans and seek public input on the $6 million project.

"It's got to be done right," said Councilman and RDA vice chairman Luke Garrott. "We're not going to be pouring this sort of money into it again. … If we have to shut the whole thing down, it would be worth it."

Last month, the redevelopment agency unanimously approved conceptual drawings for an expansion project, featuring a two-story building along 200 South that would house permanent restrooms, banquet facilities and the ice skating rental office.

The plans also called for a larger amphitheater and an at-grade skating rink, which would allow that space to be used for other events during warm weather.

The plan did not require a public hearing, and approval came with little public input.

"In the spirit of transparency, we have to say, 'Maybe we blew it on this,'" Councilwoman Jill Remington Love said.

City leaders had hoped to complete the project by the end of summer, forcing the popular Twilight Concert Series to relocate but not interfering with skating rink operations, the center's major revenue generator.

That timeline has been pushed back as the city now plans to hold a public hearing.

"We may come up with the same solution," said Councilman Eric Jergensen, who chairs the agency. "But if we come up with a better solution … because of public input, 15 to 20 years from now we'll look back and say it was worth it."

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