Utah's busy construction industry was on full display in October as an audience of approximately 600 people, most of them construction workers, turned out to celebrate the placement of the final beam on Salt Lake City's tallest building, the new 41-floor Astra Tower.
Construction crews were joined by a list of dignitaries, including two mayors and numerous project leaders from Jacobsen Construction and Kensington Investment Company.
"Salt Lake City's growing skyline is a testament to the excitement and vitality surrounding our urban core right now," Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said. "Astra Tower will serve as a hub of activity downtown, creating an opportunity for its residents to enjoy all we have to offer. As it takes its place as the tallest building ever built in Utah, I also believe it's representative of our bright future ahead."
The first above grade concrete was poured in early 2023. Since then, the high rise has progressed upward on an average of a full level every seven days, with an average of 365 workers on the jobsite daily and more than 45 subcontractors and vendors contributing to the project.
Designed by global design firm HKS, Astra Tower now stands more than 450 ft. tall and re-defines Salt Lake's urban skyline, according to Jacobsen Construction.
"The Astra Tower isn't just another construction project," said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. "It's a testament to Jacobsen Construction, Kensington Investment Company and Salt Lake County's commitment to driving economic growth, fostering cultural enrichment and designing forward-looking communities."
The large majority of construction teams at Astra Tower are Utah-based, making the project a fresh showcase of Utah builders' growing capacity to complete complex high-rise work at taller-than-ever heights. This locally based and specially qualified workforce guided Astra Tower to a rapid ascension from ground level, despite the many logistical complexities of operating on a jobsite with a tight downtown footprint, Lockhart said.
In videotaped comments, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said achievements like the tower show that the state "continues to be the best place in America to build on a bold vision" and reflects well on the "economic vibrancy of our communities."
"With the hi-rise having recently reached its full stature, I want to congratulate the whole project team for literally taking our state to new heights," Cox said. "I look forward to seeing Astra Tower take its place among the most iconic structures in our Capital city skyline as the project moves forward toward final completion over the coming months."
The Astra Tower project team is seeking LEED Gold certification by building according to strict sustainability standards that minimize carbon footprint and address pressing environmental issues specific to northern Utah, particularly air quality and water conservation.
"We're building for the future, not just for right now," said Shane Rensmon, president of real estate development of Kensington Investment Company. "Knowing that water shortages and air quality are challenges here, we want to help the natural environment surrounding Astra Tower rather than burdening it."
Astra Tower's luxury apartments will include studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorplans and two levels of exclusive penthouse units. Amenities will include an outdoor urban park, a clubhouse with chef kitchen, a work lounge with conference rooms, a full-service fitness center with a multipurpose studio, an outdoor pool and terrace, a spa and wellness center and a large 41st floor rooftop terrace.
"Astra Tower will revolutionize urban living in Salt Lake City by creating a unique, sustainable and urban community," said Emir Tursic HKS Principal and Architect. "Residents will receive extensive indoor and outdoor amenities while being within walking distance of the best experiences the city has to offer."
The building is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. CEG
Lori Tobias
Lori Tobias is a journalist of more years than she cares to count, most recently as a staff writer for The Oregonian and previously as a columnist and features writer for the Rocky Mountain News. She is the author of the memoir, Storm Beat - A Journalist Reports from the Oregon Coast, and the novel Wander, winner of the Nancy Pearl Literary Award in 2017. She has freelanced for numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Denver Post, Alaska Airlines in-flight, Natural Home, Spotlight Germany, Vegetarian Times and the Miami Herald. She is an avid reader, enjoys kayaking, traveling and exploring the Oregon Coast where she lives with her husband Chan and rescue pups, Gus and Lily.
Read more from Lori Tobias here.
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