FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2012
Contact: Art Raymond, Mayor’s Office
801-547-2659
 
Contact: Nicholas Rupp, RDA
801-535-7181



City Announces UPAC Design Finalists
Three local firms, partners will submit proposals for new downtown performing arts venue
 
SALT LAKE CITY – Mayor Ralph Becker and the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA) are pleased to announce the selection of finalists to perform architectural and engineering design services for the new Utah Performing Arts Center (UPAC).
 
The three firms, all based in Salt Lake City, are:
•       Architectural Nexus, in conjunction with H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture
•       GSBS Architects, in conjunction with Pfeiffer Partners  Architects
•       HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli  Architects
 
“Years of analysis, evaluation, gathering public input and careful consideration have led to this important selection process,” said Mayor Becker. “As we enter this new phase, residents of Salt Lake City can be assured they’ll be getting a world-class facility from these extraordinary local finalists and their partner firms.”
 
The RDA’s selection committee, which consisted of community representatives and city officials, received responses to their request for qualifications from 14 firms, including teams that have designed some of the most prestigious theater and mixed-use projects in the world.
 
“The Utah Performing Arts Center will be the region’s premier entertainment venue, and a key component to Salt Lake City’s vibrant, downtown nightlife,” said D.J. Baxter, executive director of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City. “The three teams selected by the committee bring extraordinary talent and design capability and they all have experience designing the class of venue we expect.”
 
Proposals from the three shortlisted firms are due on June 19.  The final firm selected will contract with Garfield Traub Swisher Development, the Redevelopment Agency’s developer for the UPAC project.
 
The Utah Performing Arts Center is a proposed 2,500-seat, state-of-the-art theater located on Salt Lake City’s Main Street, between 100 and 200 South. The Center helps fulfill community leaders' longtime vision for a lively capital city that’s rich in the arts. It will attract premier arts presentations and experiences, expand cultural offerings and provide an economic catalyst to Salt Lake City, the state and the region.