The Power District is building upwards now, following the groundbreaking of a new 10-story building that will become the headquarters for Rocky Mountain Power. The development is being built on land now owned by the Larry H. Miller Company at the corner of North Temple and Redwood Road. The property stretches east from there to the Utah State Fairpark. Photo by Julisa Olivera.

Amid a scene of bulldozers, backhoes, dirt mounds, and golden shovels, city, state, and business leaders braved the rain and cold temperatures for the groundbreaking of the first new building at The Power District.

On October 27th, local leaders and representatives for the Larry H. Miller Company, which owns the 100-acre property at Redwood Road and North Temple, broke ground for a new 10-story building that will house the new corporate headquarters for Rocky Mountain Power. The 300,000-square foot campus will replace the existing structure nearby, a 1951 building originally built for Utah Power, the precursor to Rocky Mountain Power.

*CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company Steve Starks speaks to reporters about the vision for The Power District. Photo by Julisa Olivera.*

“We are excited to break ground on The Power District’s first building, a 10-story corporate headquarters for Rocky Mountain Power, that will expand Salt Lake’s skyline to the west,” said Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company. “There is great momentum in this community, and we are grateful for our many partners who share our commitment to developing this world-class sports and entertainment anchored mixed-use project.”

“We are excited for an updated building with modern technology and modern tools that will allow our dedicated teams to maintain the level of service that our customers expect, while being a part of this vibrant Power District community,” said Dick Garlish, Rocky Mountain Power president.

*Dick Garlish, Rocky Mountain Power President, says the new 10-story building will be a significant upgrade from their current headquarters, which are more than 70 years old. Photo by Julisa Olivera.*

The new headquarters for Rocky Mountain Power is being built in conjunction with SOM, Architectural Nexus, and Okland Construction. The new state-of-the-art, fully electric building is inspired by the historic Gadsby Power Plant, taking the district’s industrial past and moving it into a modern, efficient campus.

Speaking before the crowd — huddled under tents while trying to beat the wind — State Senator Scott Sandall (R-Brigham City) spoke of the importance of the project not just for the Westside, but for the state as a whole.

“The Power District will provide an historic investment in Salt Lake City’s Westside community and will create a place for families from all over Utah to gather,” said Sen. Sandall, who also chairs the Utah Fairpark Area Investment and Restoration District’s Board. “This investment presents a generational opportunity to enhance two key amenities… the Jordan River and the Utah State Fairpark.”

Senator Sandall reaffirmed the desire to bring a Major League Baseball team to Utah, saying the developments at The Power District will set the stage for success.

The groundbreaking represents a major development in the project which — until this point — has been primarily focused on design plans and demolition of existing structures on the site.

*Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall says The Power District will infuse new life and opportunities into Westside neighborhoods. Photo by Julisa Olivera.*

“Groundbreakings are naturally exciting moments because they’re really celebrations of possibility,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “The possibility — the potential — on the Westside of Salt Lake City has always been here and today, a new piece of it is being realized.”

Mayor Mendenhall said the investment in The Power District is an investment in the Westside, saying that the development will open up so many opportunities for neighborhoods on the Westside of the city.

The mayor also said that the partnership in the project — a mix of public and private entities — has been built on trust. “I’m troubled to come up with any other organization or group in the state of Utah that I have more trust in than the Miller family,” said Mayor Mendenhall.

One of the focal points of The Power District is the building of a new stadium that developers and local leaders hope will become home to a new Major League Baseball team. Rendering courtesy of the Larry H. Miller Company.

When completed, The Power District will contain more than 1.3 million square feet of office space, 4,700 housing units — including multiple 2-3+ bedroom housing options — 320,000 square feet of retail, and more than 300 hotel rooms. One of the major focal points of the development is the completion of a baseball stadium that’s being designed and built with Major League Baseball in mind. The hope, according to those involved in the project, is to woo an MLB team to the city with the stadium and large-scale mixed-use development nearby.

“The Power District is more than a project — it’s our family and organization’s commitment to Salt Lake City and the State of Utah,” said Steve Miller, chairman of the Larry H. Miller Company. “This development will create thousands of jobs, ignite economic growth, and serve as the gateway neighborhood to Utah’s Capital City.”

*Part of The Power District development includes a massive clean-up and rehabilitation of a mile-long stretch of the Jordan River. Rendering courtesy of the Larry H. Miller Company.*

Construction of The Power District also involves a massive clean-up of the Jordan River area. “The Power District will elevate the Jordan River and improve this natural asset through remediation, enhancement and activation of the river and its banks,” said project stakeholders in a joint press release ahead of the groundbreaking. “[This will improve] water quality and [restore] native vegetation and fish, providing unmatched recreational opportunities in an urban setting.”

While the Larry H. Miller Company is the owner and primary developer of The Power District, several other leaders and organizations are working collaboratively on the development. This includes various state and community leaders, the Utah State Fairpark, Salt Lake City, and the Jordan River Commission. The development will incorporate several area master plans that have been studied throughout the years.

According to a press release from the Larry H. Miller Company, “The plan creates enriching experiences, celebrates the cultural and agricultural heritage of the area, and provides a place for families and visitors alike to enjoy purposeful amenities and connection.”

While construction is now underway, there is no firm completion date for The Power District, nor is there any timeline on when — or if — Major League Baseball will bring a team to Utah.