LOCAL NEWS

Historic Walker Center steps into the future with new tower lighting

Feb 6, 2022, 6:17 PM | Updated: Jun 13, 2022, 3:57 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The historic Walker Center tower is stepping firmly into the future with a refurbished tower and sign.

When the iconic structure was initially brought back by new building owners in 2008, the sign, which has historically forecast the weather, was completed in neon.

Recently, Young Electric Sign Company or YESCO was commissioned to renovate the sign with LED lighting.

“The beauty of the technology we’ve put into this sign is not only does it reduce the power consumption by about 50 percent, but it gives us any number of color options,” said Josh Young, president of YESCO Custom Signs and YESCO Sign and Lighting Service.

Jim Tozer, president of Vectra Management Group, said the sign would also now recognize significant events and holidays, like Christmas and Halloween, with its wide spectrum of colors.

Young said workers carefully brought each of the letters down to the main roof to replace the lighting technology over roughly 900 man hours.

“We decided in the course of the last year, it was time to modernize it,” Tozer said. “We think we’re making an already extraordinary building more extraordinary.”

Originally constructed in 1911 and opened in late 1912, the Walker Center has been an iconic landmark in downtown Salt Lake City since the beginning.

“When it was constructed, it was the tallest building between the Missouri River and the West Coast,” Tozer said.

He said the old building continues to be relevant at the “crossroads of the West.”

“Salt Lake is that and we’re at the crossroads of the crossroads and we’re very happy about that,” Tozer said.

YESCO has had long-term involvement with the signage atop the Walker Center, and executive vice president Paul Young turned nostalgic in talking about its significance.

“Growing up, we watched the Walker Bank sign and watched it flash and tell us what the weather was going to be,” Young smiled. “We’re grateful for the chance to upgrade it with this new lighting system.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

36 minutes ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

1 hour ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

2 hours ago

Chad Daybell and his attorney, John Prior, appear in a hearing on Oct. 29, 2020...

Larry D. Curtis

Gag order issued for upcoming Chad Daybell murder trial

With jury selection only days away in the murder trial of former Utahn Chad Guy Daybell, the court has issued a gag order concerning the case.

2 hours ago

Lehi homes...

Daniel Woodruff

Governor highlights bills to help Utah homebuyers, but will they make a difference?

Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday highlighted several new bills he just signed into law that are aimed at getting more buyers into the market.

2 hours ago

The Brigham Young University national landscaping team posing in front of the grounds....

Lindsay Aerts

BYU wins National Collegiate Landscaping Competition for the 5th time in 6 years

The BYU Cougars claimed have claimed their fifth National Collegiate Landscaping Competition in six years.

2 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Historic Walker Center steps into the future with new tower lighting