Temperatures are not the only thing rising in downtown this summer. With a slew of new projects on the horizon, downtown Salt Lake’s skyline continues to rise with these high profile buildings.

Convention Center Hotel

One of downtown’s most highly anticipated projects, the Convention Center Hotel (200 S. West Temple), is slated to break ground later this year and will add to the city skyline when it opens in 2022. “The 27-story hotel will feature over 700 rooms, approximately 62,000 square feet of meeting space, a restaurant, lobby bar and lounge, fitness and pool deck with event terrace,” according to Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Erin Litvack. A hotel operator will be announced later this year.

With a direct connection from the hotel lobby to the Salt Palace Convention Center pre-function and exhibit hall spaces, the combination of the hotel and the Salt Palace public spaces will create an opportunity for synergistic relationships. This new activated shared space at the ground level is intended to be an extension of the urban environment and a place to meet and interact. “A hotel at the convention center has been something the area has needed for a long time,” said Litvack. “We believe and know from our convention and meeting planners that we’ve been marketing to for years that this has been one of the missing pieces of the puzzle for them to choose our destination for their convention.”

The hotel will be a boon to local businesses, bars, restaurants and contribute to the overall vibrancy of our city. With the addition of this hotel and other planned full-service hotels in the vicinity, downtown is poised to attract more high-spend meetings and convention visitors. “This project strengthens the Salt Lake product offering for meetings, conventions and tourism,” says Downtown Alliance Executive Director Dee Brewer. “The hotel investment will continue to ripple through the city encouraging additional investment in hospitality and other businesses that are an amenity to all and that will enhance the local property and sales tax base.”

Salt Lake County officials are working with Atlanta based Portman Holdings (portmanholdings.com) to design and develop the hotel in partnership with St. George based development firm DDRM (ddrmcompanies.com). The proposed site is located at the southeast plaza corner of the Salt Palace Convention Center.

95 State at City Creek

Downtown’s next office tower, 95 State at City Creek (95 S State St) is gearing up to be the third-tallest building in Utah. Towering at 393 feet, 95 State will occupy the northeast corner of the intersection of 100 S. and State Street, directly west of Harmons grocery store.

City Creek Reserve Inc., the downtown Salt Lake City real estate arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is responsible for several of Salt Lake’s largest real estate projects, including this new 25-story, high-rise tower. 95 State has been part of the plans for the three city blocks that make up the City Creek redevelopment project since it was still in the design phase. “It has been anticipated since day one of the master plan,” says Matt Baldwin, Director of Real Estate Development for City Creek Reserve, Inc. “It was just about finding the right building at the right time.”

The sweeping, curved and glassy design for 95 State has its roots in another City Creek Reserve building: 111 Main, which was designed by the same architectural firm, Skidmore Owings & Merrill (www.som.com). “Looking to differentiate from the mostly rectangular downtown skyline, 95 State has an organic shape, with rounded corners and slightly curved curtain walls,” adds Baldwin. “We are able to do this without compromising the efficiency of space for tenants.”

The project will use existing parking built previously in anticipation of the tower but will add an additional two levels of subgrade parking under the building. An airy, open lobby at ground level will greet guests with a 92-foot-long media wall, displaying Utah scenery and artwork. The fifth level houses an outdoor deck on the north side of the building where building occupants can eat lunch, hold meetings and enjoy some downtime. Large conference rooms supported by a catering kitchen and audio and video technology will provide tenants with a convenient space to meet when their own conference rooms are not large enough to handle meetings. A full fitness center rounds out the level-five floorplan.

“More and more office buildings, domestic and international, are being built with amenities similar to luxury multi-family housing,” says Baldwin. “The market is demanding that we take it to the next level at 95 State.”

In addition to the tower construction, a 39,000-square-foot meeting house will be built on the north side of the building and will be independently operated and accessed. A new pavilion will replace the current Social Hall Avenue entry to the existing east-west tunnel under State St that connects to City Creek. The tunnel will be redone as well, with an innovative design that will include a restaurant along with specialty retail stores. “3,500 people will be utilizing the tower, so we need resources to support them,” Baldwin explains. With businesses anticipating the new building, we have commitments to deliver the project by the fall of 2021.”

Liberty Sky

Liberty Sky (151 S. State St) a high-rise luxury rental lifestyle, is making its debut in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Located steps from shopping at City Creek Center and an easy walk to Harmons grocery store, the Eccles Theater and all of the best of downtown, Liberty Sky provides the views and the lifestyle of an amenity-rich high-rise with the convenience and flexibility of a luxury rental.

“This is an irreplaceable location to build Salt Lake’s first high-rise rental product,” said Dan Lofgren, president and CEO of Cowboy Partners (cowboyproperties.com) which has partnered with The Boyer Company (boyercompany.com) to develop this first-in-class community. With its soaring roof-line and bold and modern glass-and-concrete architecture, Liberty Sky will be 21 stories with 272 residential units, ranging from studios to large and open two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment offers a full menu of smart home features, open floor plans, modern kitchens, luxury baths and breathtaking 10-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Amenities offered at Liberty Sky are as expansive as the views. The ground floor will include an impressive lobby, conference room, Wi-Fi café and guest hosting areas. Roof-top amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, high-end fitness center, barbecue stations, viewing decks, entertainment room and E-gaming studio. Pet-friendly and bicycle-friendly amenities are part of the offerings, as well as on-site dry cleaning drop off and pick up and controlled building access. In every sense, Liberty Sky is establishing a whole new level of living in downtown Salt Lake City.

Upward Momentum:

Check out these developments that are on track to join downtown Salt Lake City’s skyline.


Union Station Hotel
400 W. South Temple
4-star Lifestyle Boutique Hotel
8 stories
Developer: The Athens Group (athensdevco.com)

Block 67
100 S. 300 West
Mixed-Use Residential/Hotel
Two 11-story buildings
Developer: The Ritchie Group (theritchiegroup.com)

255 S. State
Address: 255 S. State Street
Mixed-Use Residential
14 stories
Developer: Brinshore Development (brinshore.com)

Foodies rejoice! The already thriving food scene downtown is only looking to get better this year. With expansions from out of state as well as Utah favorites, there has never been a better time to take a lunch break or a dinner date. Sprinkle in some boutique shops and the still-growing coworking scene and you’ve got the evolving Downtown SLC we all know and love!

Recently Opened

CommonGrounds Workplace | 132 South State Street
Based in San Diego, CommonGrounds opened its doors on State Street just south of City Creek Center. Offering a number of luxury amenities to its member, it is ideally situated in the heart of downtown.

Kazé Sushi | 65 East Broadway
Located outside Gallivan Plaza, Kazé recently finished an outdoor patio buildout. It is shaping up to be a perfect addition to the outdoor dining season leading right into the summer concert season at Gallivan.

Opening Soon

Blue Marlin | 136 East South Temple
This restaurant extension from Sandy offers a variety of sushi rolls and Asian-inspired tapas. It is expected to open early summer at the base of South Temple Tower.

Böhme | At City Creek Center
This Sandy-based retailer specializes in women’s clothing, accessories, and footwear. The trendy boutique will be a welcome addition to City Creek’s already plentiful variety of fashion.

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop | 50 East South Temple
Founded in Delaware, Capriotti’s formed to offer a sandwich for “real turkey lovers.” The menu has expanded since then, but the sandwich shop is still known for its fresh-roasted turkey, quality meats and cheese, and fresh rolls and produce.

Carson Kitchen | 241 West 200 South
A popular eatery just off Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Carson Kitchen is expanding to Salt Lake City at the newly-opened Milagro Apartments. This location is expected to open in the fall and carry a tradition of trendy design and innovative, playful interpretations of American comfort food.

Ginger Street | 300 South State Street
You may have noticed the bright pink that appeared recently at the intersection of 300 South and State Street. Ginger Street is scheduled to open in May, bringing Southeast Asian street food to downtown SLC.

Kendra Scott | At City Creek Center
Kendra Scott stores have quickly come to be known for its selection of designer jewelry, home decor, and beauty products. This will be the first store to open in Utah, offering a unique selection of goods.

Nacho Daddy | 241 West 200 South
Another Las Vegas concept going into the Milagro Apartments, Nacho Daddy claims to have the most insane gourmet nachos around, in addition to a full vegan menu and a variety of other Mexican-American collisions. This will be the chain’s second location outside the Las Vegas area when it opens this fall.

Tin Angel at Eccles Theater | 131 South Main Street
Unoccupied since the closing of Hamilton last year, the bistro space inside Eccles Theater was recently awarded to downtown-favorite Tin Angel. Design and buildout are expected to take place through early summer, with an anticipated opening before The Book of Mormon in July. The menu will be a mix of favorites from the current restaurant along with some new additions. We have been assured the bread pudding will be featured!

Vitality Bowls Superfood Cafe | At City Creek Center
It’s getting a lot easier to find healthy food options, and that is just what you’ll find at Vitality Bowls. Thick açaí blends and organic granola are the stars of the menu, but you can also find smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads, and panini.

The Wave | 32 East Exchange Place
Housed in the beautiful, historic Commercial Club building, The Wave strives to provide safe workspace for women. While public spaces are co-ed, at least one floor will be dedicated to feminine-identifying individuals. The first phase includes a renovated ballroom, available for private social and business functions, while future development could potentially activate all seven floors of the building. The opening celebration is anticipated for May.

Zimbu | At City Creek Center
We don’t know too much yet about Zimbu, but we are always in favor of adding some ethnic flair to the food court at City Creek. Zimbu will offer a variety of Nepali and Indian cuisine.

Do you know of a new business I missed? Got a tip of one getting ready to open? Let me know at !

Downtown Salt Lake City is alive and thriving as ever! While we recently witnessed the closing of a classic restaurant, The New Yorker, we are continuing to experience the lasting legacy of the vibrant culture it helped to launch many years ago.

Some restaurants have moved locations to allow for larger crowds or more convenient service. Other restaurant groups are opening new locations to keep up with the increasing and evolving demand. We continue to see growth of the dining and nightlife along Main Street, especially between 300 and 400 South. And of course, the folks over at The Gateway are working hard to make it a commercial and entertainment destination on the west side of downtown with multiple openings and announcements in recent months. Many of these openings come just in time for the busy holiday season, but don’t expect them to stop any time soon! We look forward to sharing a lot more with you at the start of the new year.

Recently Opened

Alibi Bar & Place | 369 South Main Street
Alibi is a welcome addition to the resurging “Whiskey Street” section of Main Street. Though quaint, the bright space adds a new vibe to add to your bar route. Its size may mean it fills up quickly, but that could also be due to the selection of inexpensive wines and craft cocktails whipped up by expert bartenders.

Anson Calder | 50 South Main Street (At City Creek Center)
New York-based Anson Calder recently moved the fulfillment and operations of its premium leather goods to Utah. Soon after, the brand opened up an exclusive, experiential retail location at City Creek Center to show off its goods to the public. You’ll be able to witness on-site monogramming as well as demonstrations of burnishing, skiving, sewing, and even leather splitting at the store. Though you can buy online from anywhere, this is the only place you’ll be able to see the experiments and prototypes for yourself!

Button Down | 122 Pierpont Avenue
Sports bar, meet nightclub. Button Down brings together the best of both worlds, featuring an upscale sports bar setting that turns into a nightclub for the weekends. You no longer need to choose between dancing and watching the game! Button Down regularly hosts watch parties and other events, including a weekly Wine Down Wednesday.

Caffe Molise & BTG Wine Bar | 404 South West Temple
One of downtown’s favorite restaurants just got a serious upgrade. You have probably seen the large banner on the side of the historic Eagle Building for a while now, but the renovation is finally complete. In case you’re worried about the loss of incredible outdoor dining, the new Caffe Molise also boasts an impressive patio. The open layout includes a ballroom on the top floor that can be reserved for private events. Head downstairs for BTG Wine Bar, which is sure to please any wine lover.

Christopher’s Prime Tavern & Grill | 110 West Broadway
Another relocated downtown restaurant, Christopher’s has taken over its old location at Peery Hotel. You can expect the same delicious menu with even better service than ever before.

City of Industry | 209 East Broadway
Joining a large number of local shops along Broadway, City of Industry is an outlet for makers and hobbyists. Products range from pins, patches, stationery, and other unique goods you won’t find anywhere else. The store is currently open for business on weekends, leaving plenty of opportunities to find a perfect gift.

The Daily | 222 South Main Street
The Copper Onion team has done it again. The quirky cafe features a simple but chef-driven menu utilizing fresh, local ingredients. The Daily offers an impressive selection of teas, coffee, and cold-pressed juices in addition to gourmet grab & go options. You’ll also want to try the baked goods, which are as tasty as they are beautiful.

Embers Boutique | 281 South Weechquootee Place
Ladies, if you’re looking for some unique flair to add to your wardrobe, stop by Embers in Gallivan Plaza. The small fashion shop has an eclectic selection of clothing and accessories that will surely make you stand out from the crowd.

Kiln | 26 South Rio Grande Street (At The Gateway)
A coworking community originally launched in Lehi, Kiln opened its doors late last month at The Gateway. While surely not the first coworking space in downtown, it has a local touch that will surely appeal to professionals in the city. Private, resident and club memberships provide the flexibility for you to choose how you work. Kiln also has an on-site cafe (see Voro Café below) and plenty of event space, so look out for a number of community events there!

Ramen Bar | 319 South Main Street
This is the second location for the popular Ramen Haus in Ogden. Following on the current ramen trend, Ramen Bar offers an affordable, yet gourmet selection of ramen. You’ll also find an assortment of other Japanese specials, including a delectable honey toast for dessert.

Rugged Grounds Outpost | 29 East 400 South
It may be hard to believe, but this coffee shop came to SLC from Provo. Serving local Great Basin Coffee, Rugged Grounds also offers a selection of tea and kombucha and a basic menu of comfort food.

Salt & Honey Market | 111 South Rio Grande Street (At The Gateway)
Following up on its popular pop-up markets, Salt & Honey recently opened a permanent retail location at The Gateway. The shop curates products from a number of local makers with the goal of helping creative professionals establish their own successful businesses. You can find everything from home decor and kitchen items to jewelry and stationery every day. Also check out special events, such as the Christmas Makers Market.

Sonoma Grill | 110 West Broadway
Another project from the group behind Christopher’s, Sonoma Grill boasts an eclectic, farm-inspired menu. The wine bar offers an impressive selection of wines to pair with your dinner and is available for private events. Its old-world charm is the perfect complement to Peery Hotel and the downtown dining scene.

Voro Café | 26 South Rio Grande Street (At The Gateway)
Located inside the new Kiln space, Voro Café fuses together elements of Italian and Brazilian cuisine for a unique breakfast and lunch spot. The café will offer Campos coffee along with a variety of teas and raw-pressed juices with easy access for both Kiln tenants and the general public.

Opening Soon

Fat Boy Phillies | 400 South State Street
Fat Boy Phillies opened its first location in Murray to rave reviews earlier this year. Now it’s opening shop downtown on the corner of 400 South and State Street. Our mouths are already watering for some nice, juicy cheesesteaks!

Kazé Sushi | 65 East Broadway
The area around Gallivan Plaza is becoming a destination of lunch spots. A new sign for Kazé Sushi can be seen just a few doors down from the recently-opened Ramen930. We don’t know much about it yet, but we are always open to the idea of some good sushi.

Punch Bowl Social | 6 North Rio Grande Street (At The Gateway)
Denver-based Punch Bowl Social recently announced its newest location at The Gateway. The adult playground features bowling, karaoke, and an assortment of other activities alongside craft drinks and artisan food. Get ready for a social scene like you haven’t seen before downtown.

Seabird Bar & Vinyl Room | 11 South Rio Grande Street (At The Gateway)
Have you noticed a trend of “At The Gateway” yet? The diverse mix of new tenants will soon include a fully-licensed bar, a sister concept to the neighboring La Barba Coffee. We hear Seabird will open its doors before year’s end, so keep your fingers crossed for some craft cocktails and rich vinyl tunes this holiday season.

Torrent Cycle (252 East Broadway)
After months of preparation, Torrent Cycle is scheduled for a grand opening on December 7! You may have noticed the pop-up on 400 South, but the new space will be sure to stand out to any fitness junkie. Don’t be afraid to work up a sweat and get your day off to a good start at the boutique cycling studio.

Do you know of a new business we missed? Got some tips of one getting ready to open? Let us know at !