SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and the County Council unanimously supported a major step forward in the revitalization of downtown Salt Lake City through the approval of a resolution and agreement to sell approximately 6.5 acres of county-owned property to Smith Entertainment Group (SEG).

Additionally, this week, Salt Lake County will release a request for proposals (RFP) to select an architectural firm that will be responsible for the re-design of just under 50 percent of the Salt Palace Convention Center footprint.

The property, which will be purchased and developed by SEG, is located between South Temple and 100 South and 200 and 300 West in the heart of Salt Lake City. It currently houses convention center exhibit hall space and is surrounded by key venues, including Delta Center, Japan Town, Abravanel Hall, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art and City Creek Center. The sale, which has been negotiated at market value, marks a transformative investment in Salt Lake County’s economic future.

It is anticipated that upon the transfer of the land to SEG, the exhibit hall space will be demolished and rebuilt in a newly designed section of the Salt Palace. Construction will take place in a strategically phased approach to minimize disruption to planned events and a portion of the facility will remain operational throughout the process, ensuring that the Salt Place can continue to host conventions.

“This is more than a land transaction — it’s a catalyst for long-term growth, a stronger downtown, and significant benefits to residents across Salt Lake County,” said Mayor Jenny Wilson. “The redevelopment of this property will generate millions in tax revenue, attract major national and international events, and ensure Salt Lake City remains a premier destination for sports, entertainment, cultural events and tourism.”

A resolution passed by the County Council outlines the anticipated future benefits of the sale, which include:

  • New property tax revenue from converting the property from tax-exempt to taxable.
  • Anchoring the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center has increased revenue. The arrival of Utah Hockey Club in April 2024 doubled the number of sporting events that will take place at the arena annually, drastically increasing the economic contribution from Delta Center through sales tax and attendee spending downtown.
  • Increased local and state tax revenue from tourism and hospitality.
  • The opportunity to connect and enhance premier downtown venues including Delta Center, Salt Palace Convention Center, City Creek and cultural venues. Additionally, a pathway from Delta Center to West Temple is proposed.
  • Support for the planned upgrade of the Salt Palace Convention Center, which includes modernizing the Salt Palace Convention Center and adding a second ballroom. This will enable two conventions to take place simultaneously, generating an estimated $105 million in additional annual economic impact — on top of the $426 million the facility already contributes each year. The additional annual sales tax generated will be an estimated $6.3 million for the state, $4.2 million for Salt Lake County, and $1 million for Salt Lake City.

The resolution authorizes Mayor Wilson to execute the purchase and sale agreement and finalize the transaction with SEG. The property sale is expected to close following the completion of necessary procedural steps and final documentation.

“This sale is about smart planning and long-term vision,” said Mayor Wilson. “It’s a win for taxpayers, for our economy, and for the future of downtown and Salt Lake County.”

“This innovative land transfer represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform downtown Salt Lake City and deliver lasting economic benefits that will reach every corner of Salt Lake County. I believe it is truly one of the most exciting and transformative projects our county has ever undertaken. It will generate millions in new property tax revenue, create jobs, boost tourism, strengthen local businesses across the county, and help fund critical upgrades to the Salt Palace Convention Center to help Utah maintain its status as a world-class event destination. Beyond the economic impact, this project will renew a sense of pride in our capital city — creating a vibrant space that residents and visitors alike can feel connected to and proud of for decades to come,” said County Council Chair Dea Theodore.

“This project is a game-changer for my district, which encompasses downtown Salt Lake City. It revitalizes a key area, boosts our local economy, and connects the heart of downtown in a way that benefits locals and visitors alike,” said County Council Member Arlyn Bradshaw.

As part of this project, the back-of-house areas at Abravanel Hall will be thoughtfully rebuilt to enhance functionality without impacting the concert hall itself. The Utah Symphony team will work closely with Salt Lake County throughout the process to ensure that any future updates to the hall and lobby are approached with the utmost care and respect. This balanced approach highlights Salt Lake County’s commitment to both progress and preservation — honoring our past while investing in our future.

Salt Lake County will also coordinate directly with leadership at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. A joint fundraising and planning period will occur immediately to determine the next phase and location of a new museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the details of the land sale?

The County is selling this approximately 6.5-acre parcel to Smith Entertainment Group in order to allow for the development of the Sports, Entertainment, Culture and Convention District, as well as allow for a modernization of the Salt Palace Convention Center. This will unlock significant economic benefits, including new tax revenue, improved public infrastructure, and a major boost to downtown development. The County negotiated the sale at market value to SEG and the future development aligns with County goals.

When will the land be sold and property transferred to Smith Entertainment Group?

Buyer and Seller shall consummate the sale and purchase of the Property (the “Closing”) on or before February 16, 2027.

How will the public benefit from this sale?

The public will benefit through increased tax revenue once the project is developed on a site that is currently not taxed, and the revitalization of downtown will lead to more events, attract more visitors, and support more local jobs. The project also helps fund major upgrades to the Salt Palace Convention Center, which will, in turn, increase revenue. Adding a second ballroom enables two conventions to take place simultaneously, generating an estimated $105 million in additional annual economic impact.

How are Abravanel Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) impacted by the Salt Palace renovation?

While the architect is not yet retained, early planning has determined that the current site of UMOCA and the back of house of Abravanel Hall will need to be rebuilt, however, this will not impact the Hall itself.

Salt Lake County has been in conversations with leadership at the UMOCA, and a joint fundraising and planning period will occur immediately to determine the next phase and location of a new museum.

Abravanel Hall’s back of house will be reconfigured to allow for an east to west walkway throughout the entire sports, entertainment, culture and convention district, spanning City Creek to Delta Center. Salt Lake County is engaged with Utah Symphony leadership regarding fundraising for and plans around updates to the hall and lobby in future years.

Will the Japanese Garden property owned and maintained by the County on that block be sold to Smith Entertainment Group?

No. The County will continue to own that property and maintain the garden.

When will design on the renovation of the Salt Palace begin?

Salt Lake County will go to request for proposal (RFP) to select architectural services the week of April 28, 2025. It is expected the selection period will conclude in September 2025. The selected architect will then address site location, feasibility study, due diligence, programming, demolition, design and construction administration for the partial demolition and rebuild of the Salt Palace Convention Center (SPCC), Abravanel Hall back of house demolition and rebuild and/or other areas impacted, and Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) demolition and re-build.

What is the timeline for construction of the Salt Palace Convention Center?

The Salt Place convention center’s planning for revitalization will begin immediately as Salt Lake County moves to engage an architectural team. Completion is anticipated for 2031, well in advance of the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games where the Salt Palace will serve as the media center and potential curling site.

Will the Salt Place close during the construction period?

This is not a full center closure and there will be a strategic phased approach that will ensure that convention business will continue during construction.