After six years of organizing and reviewing renovation design plans, the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City is getting a reconstruction facelift. The renovation is slated to include the relocation of the skating rink, an expansion of the stage area, and the addition of a new multi-functional plaza building.
This new two-story building will house the ice-skate rental station, contain meeting rooms on the second floor, and feature new public restrooms, which organizers say will be a big improvement over the free-standing portable units that are currently in use.
The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA), a local agency which promotes the improvement and economic development of Salt Lake City, has been raising money for several years to fund the reconstruction effort.
“We have a plan in place,” said DJ Baxter, Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake director. “Artist renderings of the proposed new look are available to the public on the Gallivan Center Web site.”
The motivation for the reconstruction project is mainly due to the popularity of the events. Primarily, the current venue hasn’t been able to sufficiently accommodate the large crowds that attend the concerts.
“The new design will more than double the grassy area which will give more people a better view of the stage,” said Talitha Day, Gallivan Center manager.
“This will also create more space for the many special events held at the center such as weddings, conventions, and other city functions.”
The construction of the new facility will begin in March 2010 after the holiday activities are over. The ice skating rink construction will begin in November 2010 and the remaining projects will begin in the spring of 2011. The reconstruction project will be done in stages so officials will not need to close the entire center during the construction.
“We will close the main part of the center, but there will still be plenty of space in the area along Gallivan Avenue to hold all of the events,” said Day. “We’re hoping to make everyone happy.”
Day said that they are still determining where the Twilight concerts will be held during the reconstruction. Their hope is that they will be able to hold the concerts on the Gallivan center grounds as well.