SPORTS

Abravanel Hall stays as is, leaders vow as Downtown SLC plans get legislative approval

Sep 17, 2024, 6:00 PM | Updated: 6:56 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — A legislative committee tasked with approving the plans to renovate the Delta Center and revitalize the two blocks east moved forward Tuesday when it got unanimous approval from a legislative committee.

The Capital Zone Revitalization Committee gave the thumbs up to both the project area and the participation agreement, a contract between Smith Entertainment Group and Salt Lake City that outlines a host of agreed-upon “public benefits” in exchange for the half-percent sales tax increase.

But the fate of Abravanel Hall is taking center stage. County leaders, the Smith Entertainment Group, and legislators vowed the hall would be preserved and are planning renovations.

“We want the symphony to thrive for the next 50 years and beyond. And I’m committed, as I have been from day one, to keeping the hall as it is (and) where it is. We have a plan to do so,” said County Mayor Jenny Wilson.

Wilson said renovating the Salt Palace Convention Center was also key part of that plan.

“By doing so, we’re going to increase revenue, fill more hotel rooms and enhance the visitor experience,” she said.

Negotiations continue with Smith Entertainment Group for the blocks where Abravanel Hall, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Salt Palace Convention Center currently sit. Leaders are still working out what designs look like and how they get funded. The county owns each of those buildings, so the decision is theirs on what to do with them and how to pay for them.

“We’re all united in our goal of preserving Abravanel Hall as is,” Smith Entertainment Group executive and principal on the project, Mike Maughan, said. “And thanks to the creativity, determination of great architects, engineers and planners, we’re on track to do that.”

One public commenter pushed for guarantees, asking the county, city and other leads to publicly state they wouldn’t tear down the hall, that it wasn’t in the way of planned plaza space, and whether it could become designated as a historic landmark to guarantee its protections.

In response, Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, vowed to put in writing that Abravanel Hall will be preserved as part of their recommendations for Salt Lake City to give final approval.

In addition to the hall, legislators on the committee also raised concerns about public safety and homelessness in the area.

The committee did not make any of their approval conditional, meaning Salt Lake City doesn’t have to implement any of its changes in order for them to sign off.

The next steps include a vote on final approval of the contract by the Salt Lake City Council, and a vote on the potential sales tax increase. The council has until the end of the year to do that.

A representative for the council did not have specifics on when that vote might happen but said they’d likely do both votes the same night.

KSL 5 TV Live

Sports

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Vs. Phoenix Suns Blog: Live Updates, Analysis, And More

The Utah Jazz are down in the Valley to take on the Phoenix Suns in the first game after the trade deadline. Stay caught up with our live blog!

1 hour ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Kyle Van Noy Links Up With BYU Football Stars Following Pro Bowl Festivities

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy just wrapped up his first-ever Pro Bowl weekend and met up with two former Cougar stars at a Super Bowl event.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

How To Watch Utah State Vs. Fresno State Basketball

The Aggies went from avoiding consecutive losses to now seeking to build another winning streak with a chance to stack their second successive win when they tangle with the Fresno State Bulldogs on Friday, February 7.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jalen Hood-Schifino Waived By Utah Jazz

Jalen Hood-Schifino has been waived by the Utah Jazz after the guard was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers.

6 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

How To Watch, Stream Super Bowl LIX, Chiefs-Eagles

SALT LAKE CITY – Football immortality will be on the line for the Philadelphia Eagles and two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Patrick Mahomes looks to lead his Chiefs to a never-seen-before Super Bowl three-peat, while 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley hopes to carry Philadelphia to its second title in the past eight […]

6 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Face Suns To Open Three-Game Road Trip

The Utah Jazz will travel to Phoenix to face the Suns on the front end of a three-game road trip following the NBA trade deadline.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Abravanel Hall stays as is, leaders vow as Downtown SLC plans get legislative approval