Reader comments
Skyline expanding: Work begins on a new high-rise for Salt Lake City
35 comments | Read story
Tim | 4:08 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
22-story "skyscraper" - how about a 22-story building. Please
don't call it a skyscraper when it's not.
DoYouThink | 6:52 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
... that they're compensating for something?
JCH | 7:26 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
An architectural statement? What's the statement? "Keeping downtown
bland and sterile." "A building only a leaseholder could love."
"Monolithism works."
Comments continue below
Jeff | 7:44 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Tim's comment brings up a question: In his opinion, what is a skyscraper
and are there any skyscrapers in Salt Lake?
Ginger | 7:57 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Wow, sounds like exciting developments on the horizon for SLC. With Wholefoods
and Urban Outfitters on the way, I may just be able to move back.
Thomas | 8:24 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
It's all relative to where you are. Don't forward this article to
friends in Dubai, Shanghai, NYC, Hong Kong, or Chicago claiming that you've
"arrived," or they'll just dismiss you as silly, sheltered,and
naive. In Chicago alone, they're currently constructing a 150-floor
residential tower and a couple more 90+ floor towers, and nobody there seems to
be batting an eye. Dubai has something like 15 or 16 megatowers of 1,000 feet
or higher going up simultaneously. Now that is newsworthy. Although every
building 20 floors or taller is technically a skyscraper, I lean a bit more
towards Tim's assessment.
Thomas | 8:30 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
On another note, it is "Brinks," not "Binks."
SomeGuy | 8:37 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
For SLC, this is great. The CCC has already released renderings for two 20-30
story towers with more to follow. Good things for SLC skyline. Yes, it will
never be NYC, Chicago or Dubai, but I'll take it. We need a new tallest
though.
Stenar | 8:42 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
When the term skyscraper first came into use, it was used to describe buildings
that were only about 10 stories tall.
It's unfortunate that this bldg is so incredibly ugly. I guess they figured something had to replace that ugly Key Bank bldg that was just demolished.
It's unfortunate that this bldg is so incredibly ugly. I guess they figured something had to replace that ugly Key Bank bldg that was just demolished.
Pioneer Stock | 9:24 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
We need slender, architecturally interesting buildings that compliment our
beautiful mountain-ringed valley, certainly not more squat, monolithic
squared-off boxes. C'mon, we are well on our way to becoming a world-class
city, let our architecture reflect that.
jmdspk | 9:36 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
It seems like they have a hard time being original in design. Look at all the
new office buildings going up around the valley. 90% of them have the round
atrium area and two wings extending out. It would nice if they would break out
and be original in a design.
Outsider | 9:41 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
I don't live in Utah so maybe someone can answer my question...why
doesn't SLC grow their skyline? 22 stories is NOT a skyscraper. It seems
that the Utah economy is doing great, which means more businesses are growing
and going to Utah. Wouldn't it make sense to build a
"skyscraper" tall enough to entice people/companies to the downtown
area? Please help me understand.
Anonymous | 10:23 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Because Salt Lake is a 2nd tier city and always will be.
Red | 10:24 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
My understanding is that the new residential tower planned for the corner where
Inn at Temple Square was will become the new tallest.
Card | 10:33 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
The design, vision and scope of this project/building is truly underwhelming and
uninspiring. When this building was being approved, I remember Nancy Saxton
(City Council member) stating,
"If you had to describe this building to someone and you didn't have the address, how would you describe it?" she asked at a recent City Council meeting. "What's going to stand out? I would just hope that this would be a real anchor for downtown and it doesn't feel like that."
Bruce Bingham was quick to correct her. "Compared to what?" the Hamilton partner asked, somewhat snidely. New York? Chicago? San Francisco? This is Salt Lake City, Bingham said. The tower - the "most striking building" in town - is plenty good enough for this architectural wasteland, he seemed to say.
Yeeeeah. That's the problem with this project and the architect. They seem to think that Salt Lake City should be happy with whatever they throw out there. Instead of adding to the skyline architecturally, making it more visually distinct and raising the bar in regards to future expectations, they have lowered it with their arrogance and lack of creativity.
It's amazing that SLC's two tallest buildings are 422ft and 420ft. one or two buildings in the 500-550 range would be nice. At a time when there isn't a lot of class A office space available, it seems like a perfect time for a tower or two in this range.
"If you had to describe this building to someone and you didn't have the address, how would you describe it?" she asked at a recent City Council meeting. "What's going to stand out? I would just hope that this would be a real anchor for downtown and it doesn't feel like that."
Bruce Bingham was quick to correct her. "Compared to what?" the Hamilton partner asked, somewhat snidely. New York? Chicago? San Francisco? This is Salt Lake City, Bingham said. The tower - the "most striking building" in town - is plenty good enough for this architectural wasteland, he seemed to say.
Yeeeeah. That's the problem with this project and the architect. They seem to think that Salt Lake City should be happy with whatever they throw out there. Instead of adding to the skyline architecturally, making it more visually distinct and raising the bar in regards to future expectations, they have lowered it with their arrogance and lack of creativity.
It's amazing that SLC's two tallest buildings are 422ft and 420ft. one or two buildings in the 500-550 range would be nice. At a time when there isn't a lot of class A office space available, it seems like a perfect time for a tower or two in this range.
SomeGuy | 10:34 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Outsider: SLC is NOT NYC, Chicago, LA or even Denver. 22 story tower is good for
SLC. There will be 2-3 towers with the City Creek Center project that should be
30 stories + and also there is plans for a WTC in SLC that could be a new
tallest. Downtown SLC is what it is and it's not bad for a city/metro of
it's size.
Used to live in Utah | 10:35 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Salt Lake is once again becoming a beautiful city. Don't knock the efforts
of the planners. 22 stories is high enough for me. New York can have it's
mega-high sky-scrapers. There will always be negative comments about the efforts
of some who try to do good.
RE:SomeGuy | 11:17 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
I live in NYC and do business in SLC, so I am well aware that SLC is not nor
ever will be a NYC, LA, Chicago, etc...However, if SLC wants to grow and become
a bigger more productive economy, I would say that attitude needs to change???
Just my opinion. Salt Lake is a very intriguing place so I think it would be a
huge benefit to the city and Utah's economy to try and grow a little
bigger.
I also think this new project in SLC is great, but the downtown area is lacking in various areas. Examples are architecture (except for your temple/temple square...it is very beautiful) and activity...not much going on down there. I truly hope this project "revitalizes" your beautiful city. Kind of crazy that I am even commenting or even care and I don't live there...guess I must like SLC??? - Outsider
I also think this new project in SLC is great, but the downtown area is lacking in various areas. Examples are architecture (except for your temple/temple square...it is very beautiful) and activity...not much going on down there. I truly hope this project "revitalizes" your beautiful city. Kind of crazy that I am even commenting or even care and I don't live there...guess I must like SLC??? - Outsider
Why all the flack? | 11:28 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
A 22 story building is plenty tall. We don't live in NYC, or Chicago,
thank goodness! We'll call it what we want...so there!
JUST A THOUGHT | 11:35 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
THE HIGHER THE BUILDING....THE BIGGER THE TARGET
UT - Born and Bred | 11:44 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Who cares!!! Utah has grown enough as it is...who wants skyscrapers? The only
skyscrapers Utah needs are the mountains around us.
Pat | 11:54 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Tim, Card, et al - would you like some cheese with that whine?
SomeGuy | 11:57 a.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Outsider: I am as big of a skyscraper junkie there is and would LOVE to have
many more scrapers in SLC. This is just a step on the way. Oh and for the person
who suggested that the tower in CCC, where the inn used to be, is going to be a
new tallest, as of right now, that is not true. It will be the 3rd tallest
behind COB and WF tower.
Sam | 12:30 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Actually someguy you mean it would be 3rd behind The Wells Fargo Center (423
feet tall) and the Church Office Building( 420 feet tall) the church office
appears taller because it stands at a higher elevation.
...Actually Sam, | 12:47 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
youre looking at Emporis' numbers... and theyre wrong
In actuallity, the LDS Church Office bldg is still the cities tallest.
to the roof of the COB it is 420' and then there is an antenna that extends it up to 436'
The Wells Fargo Center is 400' to the roof and 423' to the top of the antenna on top.
I have a flyer from when the Wells Fargo (then American Stores bldg) was completed stating it is only 400' to the roof.
In actuallity, the LDS Church Office bldg is still the cities tallest.
to the roof of the COB it is 420' and then there is an antenna that extends it up to 436'
The Wells Fargo Center is 400' to the roof and 423' to the top of the antenna on top.
I have a flyer from when the Wells Fargo (then American Stores bldg) was completed stating it is only 400' to the roof.
RE: Pat | 1:23 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
You must either work for the firm that designed this building or subscribe to a
life that embraces mediocrity, low expectations and small thinking. You
obviously buy into the philosophy that Salt Lake City should be happy with what
they get. While you�re entitled to your opinion, one can
only hope that the next firm to build a high rise in Salt Lake City
doesn�t share your views in my opinion.
The people of Salt Lake City should expect a product that does more than support the status quo. The perception that many people initially have of a city is its skyline and associated architecture. A cities skyline plays an integral part in defining the identity and character of a city.
Should Salt Lake City expect each building to be taller than the next when it is constructed? No. However, they should expect whatever is to be built to add architectural value to this beautiful city and further promote its beauty and character. This city deserves as much and should expect it. They shouldn�t be excited to merely get a new high rise.
As for the cheese to go with my whine, if expecting more than below-average to mediocrity is whining, bottoms up.
The people of Salt Lake City should expect a product that does more than support the status quo. The perception that many people initially have of a city is its skyline and associated architecture. A cities skyline plays an integral part in defining the identity and character of a city.
Should Salt Lake City expect each building to be taller than the next when it is constructed? No. However, they should expect whatever is to be built to add architectural value to this beautiful city and further promote its beauty and character. This city deserves as much and should expect it. They shouldn�t be excited to merely get a new high rise.
As for the cheese to go with my whine, if expecting more than below-average to mediocrity is whining, bottoms up.
SLCperson | 2:04 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Someone once told me that no building in SLC can be taller than the Church
Office Building.
Thomas | 2:21 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
To Outsider: I've often heard the reason SLC won't grow its skyline
is because it sits on a major fault line. Then again, so does San Francisco,
but that hasn't stopped them.
Although Utah's economy is roaring ahead right now, history says it is poised to tank--big time. This is probably one reason why serious developers focus on projects that are modest by most cities' standards.
I know many people see things differently, but I don't believe Utah's economy has the commercial diversity, depth, and influence to deserve a "world class" moniker. At least not yet. Although it is "hot" right now, history illustrates it is poised to crumble.
When the national economy is hot, Utah is super hot. However, when the national economy cools, Utah is freezing. This is a hallmark feature of a poorly diversified economy, just like it is of a poorly diversified investment portfolio. Utah's economy almost exclusively relies on tech, finance, and the mortgage/real estate industries (and MLMs, but they're not serious businesses). These industries are highly volatile and driven by speculation. They're bound to tank. They always do. I'm sure many people reading this will remember that just four years ago, Utah was leading the nation in bankrupties per capita, had one of the highest unemployment rates, and actually experienced a net decrease in population. When Utah's key industries go south--and they typically are the first to go in a downturn-- SLC will be lucky to sustain a level of employment to fill their already existing buildings. Not to rain on anyone's parade, but just the way I see it.
To be blunt, I don't think an economy that will be left will little more than noni juice and XanGo will be able to fill that 22-floor building.
Although Utah's economy is roaring ahead right now, history says it is poised to tank--big time. This is probably one reason why serious developers focus on projects that are modest by most cities' standards.
I know many people see things differently, but I don't believe Utah's economy has the commercial diversity, depth, and influence to deserve a "world class" moniker. At least not yet. Although it is "hot" right now, history illustrates it is poised to crumble.
When the national economy is hot, Utah is super hot. However, when the national economy cools, Utah is freezing. This is a hallmark feature of a poorly diversified economy, just like it is of a poorly diversified investment portfolio. Utah's economy almost exclusively relies on tech, finance, and the mortgage/real estate industries (and MLMs, but they're not serious businesses). These industries are highly volatile and driven by speculation. They're bound to tank. They always do. I'm sure many people reading this will remember that just four years ago, Utah was leading the nation in bankrupties per capita, had one of the highest unemployment rates, and actually experienced a net decrease in population. When Utah's key industries go south--and they typically are the first to go in a downturn-- SLC will be lucky to sustain a level of employment to fill their already existing buildings. Not to rain on anyone's parade, but just the way I see it.
To be blunt, I don't think an economy that will be left will little more than noni juice and XanGo will be able to fill that 22-floor building.
I live in NYC... | 2:28 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Salt Lake City is where I grew up. The skyline is an evolving process. Yes, SLC
has, a bland skyline but the rapid new development is going to change that.
I see that the whole point of the CCC is to revitalize the downtown. The CMSA (consolidated metropolitan statistical area i.e.Wasatch Front) is almost 2,300,000. That is the vast majority and the urbanized core lies in a 70 mile length and a maximum 10 or less to 15 miles in width. Basically the vast majority of Utah's population lies between 700 and 900 sq miles. Uh...there has to be a central core city and it is SLC. As it grows so goes the downtown.
I think people finally realized that there has to be an emphasis and from here on out that emphasis will be in the downtown. I think it is cool.
I live in a city (which apparently one other poster does) where in Manhattan and quickly moving to Jersey City, Brooklyn and Queens you see that the vast majority of the area is dominanted by every size and shape high rise that you would or could imagine. You have to realize that in the area of approximately 130 sq miles there are almost 10 million people and if you travel 40 miles in any direction it brings it to 21,000,000 CMSA. That is a lot of people in a small area. High rise construction and existance is a necessity.
I see a new and very tall highrise getting ready to go up in Nashville. Metro Nashville is smaller than SLC. The point is they are building it as a statement. What is the point?
In SLC to have a downtown of impact has to build up and not out to maintain a focus. It will come.
I see that the whole point of the CCC is to revitalize the downtown. The CMSA (consolidated metropolitan statistical area i.e.Wasatch Front) is almost 2,300,000. That is the vast majority and the urbanized core lies in a 70 mile length and a maximum 10 or less to 15 miles in width. Basically the vast majority of Utah's population lies between 700 and 900 sq miles. Uh...there has to be a central core city and it is SLC. As it grows so goes the downtown.
I think people finally realized that there has to be an emphasis and from here on out that emphasis will be in the downtown. I think it is cool.
I live in a city (which apparently one other poster does) where in Manhattan and quickly moving to Jersey City, Brooklyn and Queens you see that the vast majority of the area is dominanted by every size and shape high rise that you would or could imagine. You have to realize that in the area of approximately 130 sq miles there are almost 10 million people and if you travel 40 miles in any direction it brings it to 21,000,000 CMSA. That is a lot of people in a small area. High rise construction and existance is a necessity.
I see a new and very tall highrise getting ready to go up in Nashville. Metro Nashville is smaller than SLC. The point is they are building it as a statement. What is the point?
In SLC to have a downtown of impact has to build up and not out to maintain a focus. It will come.
Dan | 2:42 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Salt Lake City's skyline will always be controlled by the need for office
space and the willingness to pay top dollar for that office space due to the
additional costs of construction to meet seismic concerns (think of the
liquefaction problem in Mexico City).
Granted, San Francisco and Los Angeles are taller, but the economies of these cities supports the additional building costs. These cities are in seismic zone 4, Salt Lake is in zone 3, and Denver is in Zone 1 (http://www.disastercenter.com/build/seismic.htm). Salt Lake will continue to expand outwards because its less expensive to build a 4 story building to code as opposed to a 25 story building.
Granted, San Francisco and Los Angeles are taller, but the economies of these cities supports the additional building costs. These cities are in seismic zone 4, Salt Lake is in zone 3, and Denver is in Zone 1 (http://www.disastercenter.com/build/seismic.htm). Salt Lake will continue to expand outwards because its less expensive to build a 4 story building to code as opposed to a 25 story building.
Pat | 3:46 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
Re: Pat, et al. Yes, we're all entitled to our opinions, but it seems to
me that this is all being caught up in the thick of some pretty thin things.
House the homeless, teach a child to read, do something. If this is still such
a huge issue to you 1. get over it, and 2. become an architect and design your
own buildings.
Jordan T. | 9:43 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
The last time a big tall office tower was built in the downtown area was about
9-10 years ago.
It's about time they added another rinky dink tower to the pathetic, nonexistent skyline.
That said, why doesn't downtown Salt Lake build taller? How about a 50 story tower? That would be really nice.
It's about time they added another rinky dink tower to the pathetic, nonexistent skyline.
That said, why doesn't downtown Salt Lake build taller? How about a 50 story tower? That would be really nice.
Mb | 6:52 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007
When Can Salt lake city ever get a REAL SKYSCRAPER. Salt lake Needs to get
Sckyscrapers over 800 feet tall in height. or 60-80 story tall. Does salt lake
even have a skyscraper. NO 30 stories is nothing. WE ARE PATHETIC. we dont even
have a fortune 500 company in salt lake its sad to say that Boise has a fortune
500 company. We need to get one so they can build us a a real Skyscraper. Why
does salt lake stick to the 30 stories buildings and not get bigger ones
Anonymous | 3:02 p.m. Nov. 21, 2007
Have any of you been out of the united states?
I just got back from Paris, and even though there are some new office blocks, none of the new buildings are more than 20 stories high, most of the city is 5 to 8 stories, the buildings are for the most part stunning examples of the architecture of their time. The key is to create someplace where people can live, not show off. Continuing to mix residential with workspace and shops makes more sense than worrying about how tall is the tallest building. Any new building should complement the natural surroundings, not hide them.
I just got back from Paris, and even though there are some new office blocks, none of the new buildings are more than 20 stories high, most of the city is 5 to 8 stories, the buildings are for the most part stunning examples of the architecture of their time. The key is to create someplace where people can live, not show off. Continuing to mix residential with workspace and shops makes more sense than worrying about how tall is the tallest building. Any new building should complement the natural surroundings, not hide them.
John R. | 12:21 a.m. July 9, 2008
I believe the city of Salt Lake need's to grow upwards. I think the city
need's multiple building's of 38 to 50 floor's weather they are
office or residential facilities or even a combination facilities that could
have office space, residential space and even a hotel all in one large high
rise.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
- Tiger opens with a 66 in Australia 1:18 a.m.
- Crash kills Utah County man 1:12 a.m.
- UCAT cheaper education option 1:12 a.m.
- Post office to be named for Rex Lee 1:11 a.m.
- Police probe synagogue vandalism 1:09 a.m.
- New charges added in fraud case 1:09 a.m.
- Mom takes plea deal in girl's beating 1:08 a.m.
- Drug trafficking operation busted 1:07 a.m.
- News yule writing contest starting up 12:59 a.m.
- Alpine District school honored 12:59 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Long days for BYU interns
- House passes health care bill
287 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies246
- TCU showdown has big implications193
- Senators want food tax restored157
- Cougars crush hapless Cowboys155
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings131
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd119
- S.L. vote pending on gay protections109
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges101
- Letters: Strange breed in Utah92
This week, I'm compiling my annual list of restaurants serving...
Advertisement
Latest comments
Beck, Hannity, and Limbaugh get the audience they deserve and vice versa. ...
I find the rule,very discriminitory. I am not gay, I don't understand what...
I understand we were outmanned last night. However, this effort was awful....
My advice to Jonathan is shoot it when they pass it to you as soon as you...
Maybe they should try drafting a shooting guard who can shoot from outside ....
The sad thing about it is that there are actually people out there that are...
Thank you TCU and BYU. Your wanting to beat Utah so bad has to drive you...
Play fes and koufos. Look to the future. It looks like we will have two...
Oh come on. Obama's a horrible president, but I couldn't care less which...
"We had the best soccer of any place in the state. There's no disputing...
Advertisements