LOCAL NEWS

Abravanel Hall called a centerpiece of Salt Lake City to be enjoyed for generations

Oct 8, 2024, 5:06 PM | Updated: 5:50 pm

abravanel hall...

Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Abravanel Hall was hailed as a centerpiece of Salt Lake City’s cultural landscape, as a resolution was signed that aimed to ensure that changes to the city’s downtown will not affect the concert hall’s presence and importance for generations.

On Tuesday, the Salt Lake County Council signed what it called a landmark resolution committing to the preservation of Abravenl Hall, built in 1979. Concerns over the building’s longevity arose when the Smith Entertainment Group, along with Utah’s capital, were finalizing plans to make changes to downtown in order to introduce the NHL to Utah with the Utah Hockey Club, and retain the NBA.

The resolution, co-sponsored by councilmembers Dave Alvord and Jim Bradley, aimed to ensure that the home of the Utah Symphony would not be sacrificed to the proposed cityscape, and would receive “the careful planning and updates needed to ready it for the future,” according to a press release from the council.

A string quartet, acting as representatives of the Utah Symphony, attended the event to celebrate the historical occasion and honor the hall’s world-renowned design.

“Abravenl Hall is more than just a building,” Alvord said. “It’s a symbol of our commitment to arts, to culture, and to the unique identity of Salt Lake County. We’re proud to be part of ensuring that future generations can experience its world-class acoustics and architectural beauty.”

A petition with over 50,000 signatures preceded the resolution, garnering widespread support for the protection of Abravanel Hall from development plans that would threaten its existence and its integrity. The council’s commitment was said to echo Mayor Jenny Wilson’s assurances that any renovations will prioritize maintaining the hall’s features, while “allowing it to adapt to the evolving downtown landscape.”

The resolution called for collaboration between the Salt Lake County Council, Smith Entertainment Group, and Salt Lake City to keep the landmark a “vibrant hub for cultural activities, integrated into future revitalization efforts of the Sports, Entertainment, Culture, and Convention District.”

“Like so many in the community, we want the symphony to thrive for the next 50 years and beyond,” Wilson said. “I will continue to engage with the Utah Symphony to develop a viable renovation plan that will showcase the hall for decades to come.”

Wilson said future plans will include community input and ongoing collaboration.

“It is incredibly meaningful to me to see this resolution pass,” Bradley said. “I was honored to be part of the naming of Abravanel Hall after the esteemed conductor Maurice Abravanel. He left a legacy of world-class symphonic music in Utah. It is only fitting to his memory that we pass this resolution with a commitment to keep his legacy alive for generations to come.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Steven Willard Anderson...

Michael Houck

Body of missing man found in Starvation Reservoir, sheriff’s office confirms

Authorities confirmed they found the body of a man who went missing nearly two decades ago in Starvation Reservoir.

49 minutes ago

A group of cancer activists at Utah's Capitol Hill for Cancer Action Day. (American Cancer Society)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Cancer activists to gather with elected officials on Capitol Hill

Activists and patients will be at Utah's Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, sharing their stories and pushing policies that aid the fight against cancer.

3 hours ago

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

12 hours ago

A Provo City banner pictured Oct. 2024. (Mark Less, KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

Provo proposing water rate hike, city council to vote Tuesday

An upcoming vote could force Provo homeowners to pay more for water. The city council plans to vote Tuesday on a proposal to increase water rates across the board and penalize those who use the most.

13 hours ago

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation dur...

Darby Sparks

Salt Lake Police respond to weekend protest, vehicle vs pedestrian incident

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation during a march that blocked traffic.

14 hours ago

The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025....

Annie Knox, Andrew Adams and Courtney Johns, KSL TV

Lawmakers are considering major changes to Utah’s open records law

A First Amendment attorney tells KSL the moves are a “multi-front assault on the public’s right to know,” but a lawmaker says change is needed.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

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.

Abravanel Hall called a centerpiece of Salt Lake City to be enjoyed for generations