Ogden, UT – A bill currently making its way through the Utah State Legislature could pave the way for a major redesign of the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Senate Bill 306, introduced by Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, aims to allocate transportation funds to support a re-imagined Salt Palace, as part of a broader vision to transform the downtown area into a hub for sports, arts, and entertainment.
The proposal is a key component of the Smith Entertainment Group’s (SEG) plans for the region. SEG, the parent company of the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club, envisions a revitalized district connecting key locations, including the Salt Palace and the Delta Center, to create a more accessible and vibrant urban space.
Sen. McCay presented the bill to the Senate Revenue & Taxation Committee, highlighting its potential to finance part of the Salt Palace renovation. “Salt Lake County has asked that we prepare a method to help finance their ability to replace a part of the convention center,” McCay explained during his testimony.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson echoed McCay’s sentiments, describing the changes as “substantial.” She emphasized that the renovation would not only enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the Salt Palace but also address logistical concerns. Specifically, Mayor Wilson proposed the addition of a second ballroom to accommodate larger conventions and events. The renovation, she added, could cost more than $1 billion.
Part of the vision for the district includes improving connectivity between the Salt Palace, City Creek, and the Delta Center. One of the key goals is to create a pedestrian-friendly corridor linking these spaces, with the potential for people to walk easily between the areas.
Currently, 100 South Street terminates in a wall at the back end of the Salt Palace, a design flaw that the renovation aims to rectify. Mayor Wilson emphasized the importance of making the downtown area more walkable and integrated.
While the bill is focused on securing funding for the Salt Palace renovation, there are still unresolved issues related to the nearby streets. Specifically, discussions continue regarding 300 West, which runs in front of the Delta Center. The road is one of the busiest in downtown Salt Lake, and lawmakers are considering whether to leave it open or close it as part of a broader effort to reconfigure the area. This decision is part of a larger debate on street closures, with another bill blocking Salt Lake City from having full control over its own streets.
Despite some concerns over the potential displacement of historic landmarks, one prominent structure will not be part of the Salt Palace renovation plans: Abravanel Hall. Mayor Wilson has assured the public that the iconic venue is not under threat. Fears of its demolition sparked protests and petitions to save the hall, prompting county leaders to back off from any plans involving the building.
The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Revenue & Taxation Committee on Monday and will now proceed to the full Senate for debate. If approved, the project could mark the beginning of a transformative era for Salt Lake City’s downtown, ushering in new opportunities for growth and development.