Work begins on double-tower mixed-use development in SLC

Developers have announced that construction has begun on a 190-unit, mid-rise and high-rise mixed-use structure at 255 S. State St. in Salt Lake City. Dubbed 255 State, the transit-oriented development complex is being developed by Chicago-based Brinshore Development LLC with design by KTGY Architecture + Planning. The plan calls for affordable housing, commercial tenants, space for nonprofit arts organizations, a food hall, event space and live/work units.

“The new downtown development will provide much-needed affordable and workforce housing invigorating the neighborhood and creating a 24/7 live/work/play environment,” said Keith McCloskey, associate principal at KTGY. “The development at 255 S. State St. is also designed to uniquely connect to the surrounding city blocks and beyond.”

The basic structure will consist of eight- and 12-story towers with an open-air paseo between the two mixed-use buildings connecting the new development to the adjacent commercial uses, including a coffee shop, a record store and neighborhood creative office space. A primary crosswalk will connect the development to the light rail stop one block to the west and to the Gallivan Center.

“The new development will add a modern twist to the downtown business district’s skyline by combining the elegant look of contemporary glass and sleek metal with the industrial feel of an artist loft community — which utilizes galvanized steel awnings and detailing, aluminum paneling and brick facades,” said McCloskey. “The interplay of these materials as one meanders through the midblock paseo sets a backdrop for brightly colored outdoor art exhibits.”

Split between the two towers, the community will have 190 residential units including 168 units designated to be affordable for renters earning between 20 percent and 80 percent of the area’s median income. The units will be a mix of studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartment homes.

According to McCloskey, the design guidelines called for a midblock crossing and the preservation of the Cramer House, an existing two-story historic building on the site. “The design team took the requirement and turned the crossing into an outdoor public paseo that bisects the development, inviting the public to move from the sidewalk through the community, creating an active public space day and night. Commercial tenants, event space, food hall and live/work units will line the paseo on the ground floors, while the residential units will be located on the upper levels. The food hall, which is unique to the community, will draw lunch-time workers during the day and urban dwellers at night,” he said.

Brinshore is also looking to partner with local organizations to bring active events and programming to the community and paseo, including the Salt Lake Film Society, which will host outdoor film events.

Construction of 255 State is estimated to take 24 months.