Downtown Magazine - Spring/Summer 2019 by Downtown Alliance

Growth on the Horizon LOOK INSIDE: for a sneak peek at Salt Lake's 2022 skyline

ALSO INSIDE: FROM TRAINS TO TACOS • THE SALT LAKE AND THE CITY • GROWTH ON THE

HORIZON • SUMMER IN THE CITY • COWORK 2.0 • SHARING DOWNTOWN'S BEST PATIOS

Say hello to your brand new, bigger, better Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), arriving in 2020. The New SLC will replace the three existing terminals with one large, modern terminal that has the capacity to meet the ever-growing demands of a major air transportation hub. To learn more, visit SLCairport.com

@slcairport

for the

visit GREENbikeSLC.org/join

ow did you feel when you unfolded the picture of Salt Lake’s new skyline in this edition of Downtown? Curious? Confused? Dubious? Excited?

That Salt Lake skyline is not hypothetical. This year, the developers on the cover are raising a hundred stories of offices, apartments, shops and hotel rooms. But the new buildings are merely evidence of much larger stories downtown. Stories about people shattering cliches about this place. Stories about people building a cosmopolitan city. Stories about people working with teams across the global economy. Stories about developers, disruptors, artists, saints and advocates that are all building aspects of a remarkable downtown. My personal story is peppered with dear memories of downtown. As a kid, I would take the bus downtown to the ski gear wonderland called Wolfe’s Sporting Goods; my dad loved celebrating special family occasions at the fancy Hotel Utah Roof Restaurant; and we loved seeing the Tribune Christmas tree and Temple Square lights each holiday season. My first professional job was working for Triad America on an ambitious redevelopment that included two 40-story office towers, hotels, condominiums and retail on the blocks surrounding Triad Center. Eleven years later I started my own business downtown. And I have lived downtown for 20+ years. My family and I love being part of the ever-changing downtown story. And downtown is a part of us. Top Left: Tribune Christmas Tree. Top Right: Dee Brewer. Bottom: Hotel Utah Roof Restaurant. Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society.

Whether you live downtown or not, I imagine our capital city is dear to you too. Because our city–by design–is a gathering place for people. And when people come together, the next story has already begun.

Dee Brewer Executive Director, Downtown Alliance

Full story on page 32 Front row Left to Right: David Brint - Brinshore. Matt Baldwin - City Creek Reserve, Inc. Lara Fritts - SLC Economic Development. Brent Harman - Cowboy Partners. Lee Dial - Cowboy Partners. Back Row Left to Right: Stan Castleton - DDRM. Nate Boyer - Boyer Company.

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LOCAL ADVANTAGE.

CBRE knows Utah. Through our industry-leading perspectives, scale, and local connectivity, we deliver outcomes that drive business and bottom-line performance for every client we serve. How can we help transform your real estate into real advantage?

For more information contact or visit: Lloyd Allen, Managing Director & Principal Broker +1 801 869 8044 cbre.us/slc

Lisa Michele Church Lisa Michele Church is a Salt Lake attorney and historian who loves historic architecture, especially vernacular streetscapes such as apartments, motels and vintage signs. You can check out her unique photos on Instagram @relentlesshistory.

Derek Deitsch

David Newkirk A native of Oregon, but transplant to Utah by way of skiing, David Newkirk has made Salt Lake City his home for almost 28 years. Photography is his visual love-letter written to his favorite city and state. Besides skiing and photography, other passions include hiking, climbing, mountain biking and carpentry. Say hi to him on the trails, around town or the local Home Depot. Julia Partain

An avid supporter of all things Salt Lake City, Derek Deitsch is a bit of an urban nerd. You can usually find him commuting via bus, exploring new restaurants or searching out unique events and outdoor experiences across Utah and beyond. He has contributed as a dessert writer for Salt Lake Magazine and now serves as Business Development Manager for the Downtown Alliance. Darby Doyle

Natalie Taylor

Award-winning food writer, cocktail historian and recovering archaeologist Darby Doyle covers the gamut of Utah’s gastronomic and natural wonders for a slew of print and online media outlets. Based in Salt Lake City, she’s a member of the Association of Food Journalists and the United States Bartenders’ Guild. Follow her cocktail, culinary and outdoor adventures on Instagram @darby.doyle, Twitter @aBourbonGal and recent work at darbydoyle.com. Beth Lopez

and writing poetry.

Natalie Taylor has been freelance writing for local magazines for nearly three decades, and in that time, met some of the most talented, creative and interesting people in the state. A hot springs enthusiast, she enjoys soaking in natural mineral water, skiing, hiking with her beloved (albeit marginally trained) pooch

Tessa Woolf Beth Lopez is a writer and creative director based in Salt Lake. She never tires of writing about favorite things and nerdy things. She frequents the trails of the Wasatch and obsesses a tad too much over Scrabble scores.

Ryan Mack A native of Salt Lake City, Ryan Mack has his eyes and ears on the streets of downtown, serving as the Director of Communication & Marketing for the Downtown Alliance. When he’s not skiing or mountain biking the Wasatch, you’ll find him taking advantage of all of the amazing amenities that downtown has to offer.

Julia Partain, a Salt Lake City native, is a freelance writer and editor for local and regional publications and now proudly serves as editor of DOWNTOWN the magazine. When she isn’t writing about happenings in her hometown, you can find her playing in the mountains with her family.

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Salt Lake City native Tessa Woolf is a freelance editor, writer and stylist. She lives in downtown Salt Lake City and loves to explore the city’s newest shops, restaurants and nightlife. When she’s not putting pen to paper, she’s hopping on a plane and checking destinations off her travel wish-list. George Tsangaris George Tsangaris was born in London and raised in Cyprus. He currently lives in Australia where he is either working on his novel or discovering the great Australian outback. He enjoys travelling to far-flung places and discovering remote cultures and regions.

spring / summer 2019

Listen live at KUER 90.1 | kuer.org | KUER’s mobile app | “Play KUER” on your smart speaker

3/29/2019 4:29:21 PM

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CONTENTS

Cover Story: Growth on the Horizon Redefining Downtown’s Skyline

History: From Trains to Tacos Serving a hefty portion of history at Rio Grande Café

Culture: The Salt Lake and the City A look at Salt Lake through the eyes of an outsider

Summer in the City: Your Downtown Summer Playlist

Cowork 2.0: All in a Day’s Cowork

Festivals, concerts and food trucks, oh my!

The evolution of coworking in downtown

Dining: Sharing downtown’s best patios, sizzling dishes and chilly confections

New on the Scene: Seabird Bar & Vinyl Room

Outdoor Dining 49 | Frozen Delights 50 | Expansions 51 | Meet the Chef 52

Mixing craft cocktails and classic turntables at The Gateway

Downtown Farmers Market Turns 28: The organic growth of Pioneer Park

Corner Stones: Moving forward with Derek Kitchen

49 DOWNTOWN

ALLIANCE

4770 S 5600 West | West Valley City, UT 84170 | 801-204-6500 | utahmediagroup.com Brent Low, President & CEO | Megan Donio, Project Manager | Camille Durtschi, Layout & Design DOWNTOWN the Magazine is the official publication of the Downtown Alliance. ©2019 by the Salt Lake Downtown Alliance. 6

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16 Attractions. One Pass. One Awesome Price. With the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass, you don’t have to pick and choose. For one low price, you get admission to 16 of the city’s best attractions using secure and convenient mobile tickets. Plus, you get to take advantage of exclusive perks and discounts. From $32.

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Do you find yourself counting down the days to summer each year? Ask any Utahn and they will most likely agree that summertime in the Rockies is one of the best times. Summer creates a sense of change and possibility in our community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s palpable in the spirit of downtown Salt Lake. Dining al fresco re-enters our vocabulary and the city buzzes with anticipation for outdoor festivals and concerts. However you like to ring in the warmer months, fill your summer bucket list with all that our vibrant city has to offer. Julia Partain, Editor, DOWNTOWN The Magazine

spring / summer 2019

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STORY BY JULIA PARTAIN

n today’s world of Amazon, Etsy and Ebay, many entrepreneurs are highly focused on promoting and marketing their products online. However, consumers often want the tactile experience offered at traditional brickand-mortar shops, like Salt & Honey (111 S. Rio Grande, saltandhoneymarket.com). Here they have the ability to see, touch, smell and feel products and take items home right away. Salt & Honey offers a unique space for designers, artists, crafters, food experts and vintage collectors a space to sell their independently produced goods. Co-founders and siblings Ashley Collett and John Smith’s goal is to help other creative professionals establish their own successful local businesses — not only with a physical location to showcase 10

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outdoor enthusiast to get back into nature. An added bonus: they their products, but as well as proudly contribute a portion of offering them essential tools and their sales to different causes that skills to gain a larger audience and benefit the world around us. stronger brand recognition. Made Walking into the store is a feast Sarah Burroughs, owner of for the senses. Between the Made (choosemade.com), does abundance of adult and children more than just design handbags apparel and jewelry to artwork and clutches. Burroughs works and home decor, this oasis has the with local refugee employment perfect gift for anyone on your services to identify and employ list. local refugees to help manufacture the products. Made provides Here are some of our favorites. simple and practical designs using 100% leather and authentic Manai Design textiles from around the world. Manai (pronounced /man•aī/) Shop the current Made line is Southern Paiute meaning to of African mudcloth totes and move about or wander. At Manai saffron colored leather envelope Design Co. (manaidesign.co), purses and provide a local Afghan owners Aaron Roth and Andy woman with a job. Dutton throw their passion for nature and the outdoors into Hum Stitchery designing and manually printing Named after the sound of t-shirts, sweatshirts and other a sewing machine, Hum everyday items to remind us to Stitchery’s (humstitchery.com) keep moving and get outside. vintage inspired clothes are made Their signature BeaUTAHful for your kids to have fun and design is sure to inspire any play hard in while still looking

adorable. Nicole Choules-Paul, who designs for and owns Hum Stitchery and is a partner at Salt & Honey, chooses colorful fabrics to create her signature dresses (check out the Clara Removable Bib Skirt), rompers, tops and accessories. This spring, make Hum Stitchery part of your wardrobe. You won’t be disappointed. Half Pint Studio Local graphic designers and printmakers Allison CornuBitzer and Sky Bitzer created Half Pint Studio (halfpint. studio) to showcase their custom handcrafted letterpress paper goods. Everything this husband and wife team creates is printed on their 1956 Asbern letterpress, hand stamped or hand cut, creating one-of-a-kind greeting cards, stationary, wedding invitations and prints. Each witty product is artfully printed on 100% cotton paper. This may be the first time you want to frame your birthday card! I spring / summer 2019

STORY BY JULIA PARTAIN

Julissa Breslin Marketing Manager The Gateway

Christian Priskos COO/Managing Partner InterNet Property Commercial Real Estate

“I love the warm weather and the many outdoor events that our city has to offer. Once summer kicks off, there is always something to do, especially at The Gateway. Rio Grande Concert Series every Thursday in May and Movies on the Plaza every Wednesday beginning in June are some of the many fun and free events offered to downtown folks.

“I live downtown, so in the summer, I enjoy walking to work or riding a GREENbike around. I’m a big patio guy, and the downtown scene doesn’t disappoint. Happy hour and sunshine pair perfectly at The Green Pig and Whiskey Street.

One of my favorite things about summer are the many patios being open. One of my go-to’s include MidiCi at The Gateway but I’m excited to mix it up once Seabird Bar & Vinyl Room and Punch Bowl Social open up this summer.”

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Blues, jazz, hip hop: you name it and you’ll likely hear it downtown. I love catching a Thursday night show at The Twilight Concert Series or taking in a Broadway performance at The Eccles Theater. Just strolling down Main Street or The Gateway, you’re guaranteed a great show by some of the best musicians in the city.” I

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STORY BY RYAN MACK

top me if you’ve heard this before – “But there’s no Jazz in Utah! They should give that name back to New Orleans.” For years, fans of our Utah Jazz basketball team have had to defend our squad’s name with little backup. Fortunately for basketball and music fans alike, this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. While we may not have the jazz scene that New Orleans has, downtown Salt Lake City features world-class jazz talent in our bars and cultural venues on a weekly basis. Fans of our beloved basketball team can finally silence their critics thanks to several organizations and individuals working to showcase our rich local jazz scene. Jazz at the Rabbit Hole Located in the basement of Lake Effect (155 W. 200 South), it’s all about the music with Jazz at the Rabbit Hole. Serving as Salt Lake’s only jazz listening room, talking is not permitted during performances. “Some people don’t quite get it yet but this is meant for listening to these fabulous jazz players,” says Kelly 12

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Salmans who was inspired to open a jazz listening room in Salt Lake after traveling to clubs in cities like New York and Chicago. Once you grab a cold drink and take a seat, you’re sure to appreciate the listening room format as you’ll have a courtside seat to some of the most talented jazz musicians in the country. Jazz at the Rabbit Hole runs every Wednesday night from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. and is free of charge! Excellence in the Community Concert Series “Based on 40 years of attending jazz gigs and concerts, in my opinion, I have never heard better music anywhere,” says jazz musician and Excellence Concert goer Bert H. High praise from a former resident of notable jazz cities - New York and Paris. Excellence in the Community (excellenceconcerts.org) offers a variety of jazz genres from Latin to swing and bossanova to avant-garde and even big band dance nights in the summer. Hosted in the heart of downtown at the Gallivan Center (239 S. Main St), Excellence showcases

Utah’s best musicians to the tune of 120 free jazz concerts in 2018 alone. JazzSLC & The GAM Foundation What started simply as a fun idea between two friends in 1994, is now entering its 25th year of successful concerts. It’s safe to say that Gordon Hanks and Michael T. Mackay have helped put jazz music on the map in Salt Lake by featuring over 500 of the world's finest jazz artists throughout the years. In addition to putting on killer shows throughout the year, JazzSLC/ GAM have made it their mission to educate and advocate on behalf of jazz music by working with local schools and offering discounted tickets to students. Get your tickets to JazzSLC’s silver anniversary season at jazzslc.com. Now that we’ve successfully disproved the idea behind the lack of jazz music in Salt Lake City, I pose the question: How many lakes are there in Los Angeles? We should probably give that name back to Minnesota. I

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Top 3 Photos: Jazz in the Rabbit Hole - Twig Media Lab. Bottom 3 Photos: Excellence in the Community Lex B. Anderson.

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VIVINT SMART HOME

GREENbike greenbikeslc.org Open year-round, GREENbike makes getting around fun. Plus, it is an easy way to enjoy the sun on the way to your next meeting or lunch spot, no matter the season. Daily or annual passes allow unlimited user rides for 30 or 60 minutes and remove the usual excuses for not riding a bike, such as specific clothing and security. No special attire is required. When bikes are not in use, they are securely docked at a nearby station awaiting the next user. 14

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Electric scooters are the latest transportation trend to hit downtown. Lime (li.me/electric-scooter) and Bird (bird.co) have deployed hundreds of readyto-ride scooters around the city. These e-scooters operate via easy-to-use smart phone apps; it’s cheap—just $1 to start a ride and then .15 per minute after a scooter is activated. When you’re done, park the scooter at your destination and end your ride in the app. Just remember, stay in the bike lanes rather than on the sidewalk, wear a helmet and never, ever scoot after having a few drinks—that’s what uber and lyft are for. spring / summer 2019

RIDE SHARING Utilizing smart phone apps, services such as Lyft and Uber provide on-demand rides. Users can call a car directly to their location and be on their way in mere minutes, 24 hours a day. You can, of course, go old school, and call or hail a cab.

uber.com | lyft.com

US BUS UTAH usbusutah.com Discover the sights of Salt Lake City on an openair bus. Whether you are only visiting for a few hours or a few days, the 90-plus minute sightseeing tour with on-board commentary gives you a quick way to see the main attractions of our beautiful city. The US Bus sightseeing tour of Salt Lake City will take you to many famous landmarks, such as: • • •

Utah State Capitol Farmers Market West Temple Square

TRAX rideuta.com Red, blue or green? Downtown is the hub for all three rail lines, and TRAX is free in the Central Business District. All major downtown landmarks and destinations are located within this FREE FARE ZONE, providing an accessible option to travel around downtown. Park once and hit all your favorite downtown spots via train car. UTA’s network connects the University of Utah, SLC International Airport and SL Central Station, which accesses bus and FrontRunner lines, through downtown. spring / summer 2019

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STORY BY JULIA PARTAIN

Learn More About How You Can Make a Difference for The Homeless in Utah At HOMELESSUTAH.ORG/HOME4CHANGE 16

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Utah musicians in concert at the

Gallivan Center

7:30 Wednesday Evenings, year round Big Band Swing Dances Tuesday Evenings Late May through September

STORY BY NATALIE TAYLOR

ierpont Avenue is small (just under a block), but its contributions to the city’s creative vibe is mighty. Its historic buildings are home to the Pierpont Avenue Arts District, an eclectic collection of galleries, private art studios and artisan boutiques. To explore, start at the top with Crossroads Guitar Shop (329 W. Pierpont Ave, crossroadsguitarshop.com). Whether you are shopping for a new guitar, need to repair your old favorite or want to take lessons, Crossroads Guitar Shop offers it all. Next door is Tailor Cooperative (333 W. Pierpont Ave, tailorcooperative.com). Established in 2016, these talented clothiers procure the finest fabrics and employ tailoring traditions from across the globe. Styled, fit and finished locally, each item is made to perfection.

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Gailon Justus Tattoo (333 W. Pierpont Ave, gailonjustus.tumblr.com). With nearly two decades of ink experience, Justus’ bold graphics and dynamic colors make an indelible impression (pun intended). Ashton Klomp Interiors (335 W. Pierpont Ave, @ashtonklomp). Designers Kathryn Ashton and Christy Klomp team up to help you design beautiful and distinctive spaces in your home. Specializing in Utah destination weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate parties and product launches, Fuse Wedding and Events (335 W. Pierpont Ave, fuseweddingsandevents.com) is a full-service event planning company that can design your event, coordinate vendors and handle all the logistics. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the festivities.

Jeff Landry Design, Inc. (339 W. Pierpont Ave, jefflandrydesign.com) is a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end residential properties. Whether you need interior design and furnishing services, are building a new home or renovating an old one, they can help you create new and exciting spaces. Atelier (341 W. Pierpont Ave). Owned and curated by Malinda Fisher of Desert Rose Jewelry and Olivia Henrie of Innerspacism, Atelier studio empowers local creatives by providing a physical retail space where they can market their handmade work and ideas. Barbiere Barber Shop (341 W. Pierpont Ave, barbiereslc.com). If you want a classic barber shop experience, Barbiere is the place for you. Get the cut you want to rock, enjoy the vibes and pick up your favorite products while you’re at it.

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ratatouille and zabuton. Higher Ground Learning (380 W. Pierpont Ave, highergroundlearning.com) is a group of dynamic tutors that offers customized, oneon-one learning experiences to students of all ages in nearly every subject from second grade reading proficiency to high school AP physics. Looking for the perfect place to take your shot? Rent Wild Willow Studio (347 W. Pierpont Ave, wildwillowstudio.com) for your photography sessions. It offers dreamy lighting and amazing props in a clean and modern setting. An icon in the local music scene, Salt Lake Underground Magazine (SLUG) (351 W. Pierpont Ave, slugmag.com) launched in 1989 and is still emblematic of all things cool in town. From music reviews to the best bands, local festivals and fashion, SLUG magazine gives you behind-the-scene sneak peeks. Borboleta Beauty, Inc. (353 W. Pierpont Ave, borboletabeauty.com). From eyelash extensions spring / summer 2019

and lash baths to colored lashes, trust the lash artists to give you lashes for days. On the go? Get to Boundary (357 W. Pierpont Ave, boundarysupply.com) for technically innovative and sustainable travel backpacks, camera cases, travel bags, dry bags, towels and more—all designed to last and make life more comfortable. Across the street is Pallet Bistro (237 S. 400 West, eatpallet.com) in the original loading dock for Salt Lake Valley’s first creamery. And while its décor with reclaimed wood retains a nod to its heritage, the cuisine is decidedly inventive. Chef Zachary “Buzz” Willey puts his own special take on meatballs and gnocchi,

Want to sell your work? Big Cartel (362 W. Pierpont Ave, bigcartel.com) makes it easy for artists and makers to build a unique online store, work and run a creative business. I Far Left Photo: Tailor Cooperative. 2nd From Left: Barbiere Barber Shop. Middle 2 Photos: SLUG Magazine. Top Right Photo: Crossroads Guitar. Bottom Right Photo: Pallet.

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STORY BY TESSA WOOLF

ellness is having a moment, and the fitness world is riding the wave—just look to the rise in athleisure, Instagram “fitfluencers” and boutique fitness studios for proof. From cycling to boxing and yoga to barre, niche workouts and specialized classes held in modern, stylish studios (some with swanky amenities like juice bars and day spas) are trending across the country. These studios offer more than just a way to break a sweat—they dish-out a high energy dose of positivity, motivation and a sense of belonging among their clientele. Ahead, check out four boutique studios in downtown Salt Lake City where you can get your fitness fix and maybe even make a few new friends.

Rebel House The Workout: Rebel House (320 W. 200 South, rebel-house.com) offers a trifecta of classes: RIDE, a rhythm-based cycling class; 20

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RIOT, a beat-based boxing/HIIT class; and REHAB, a beat-based yoga class. The Backstory: Utah locals and husband and wife duo Devin and Nina Pearson opened Rebel House in August 2017. Prior to Rebel House, the couple owned a trucking company and mobile bar business. Nina also worked for Delta, and amidst their travels, they discovered fitness studios similar to Rebel House, but realized there was nowhere in Salt Lake City to enjoy the same type of workouts. So they decided to create their own. The Vibe: Classes are held in dark rooms so clients can focus on being present and their own personal practice without distractions. “Rebel House is a place for all skill levels,” says Nina. “You will never hear us talk about weight because we want people to focus on what growth looks like to them. Our clientele is friendly, optimistic and treats everyone with respect.”

Peak45 The Workout: Peak45 (250 Broadway, peak45.com) offers high-intensity, low-impact Pilates. “Think of Pilates mixed with cardio, upbeat music and fast-paced transitions that is safe on your joints,” says Kristen Kenney, a co-owner and instructor. The Backstory: Kenney has been around sports her entire life—she played D1 soccer at the University of Miami and currently works as the team sideline reporter for the Utah Jazz. She moved to Salt Lake from Los Angeles, land of the tanned and toned, and home of the Megaformer and Lagree fitness method. “The method didn’t exist in Salt Lake and I desperately missed it,” says Kenney, who partnered with Salt Lake Power Yoga to open Peak45 in the fall of 2017. The Vibe: Students workout on Megaformer machines in small class settings, which allow instructors to be hands-on and helpful. “We cater to people of all fitness levels,” says spring / summer 2019

Kenney. “There are modifications and options for everyone.” Salt Lake Power Yoga The Workout: Salt Lake Power Yoga (250 E. Broadway, saltlakepoweryoga.com) offers heated power yoga, yoga sculpt, restorative yoga, kid’s yoga and meditation. The Backstory: Greg Galloway, Jen Reuben and Marc Weinreich opened Salt Lake Power Yoga in the fall of 2012. “Each of us come from a different background, but the one thing that ties us together is the power of our style of yoga practice and the community that has developed over the years,” says Galloway. The Vibe: Classes are held in a variety of studios, including a large sun-filled space with panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains. “From athletes to professionals and students to mothers, our community is a collective of like-minded individuals who seek a mind-body connection,” says Galloway. “For some, this community is a family since many are transplants to Salt Lake City.”

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Torrent Cycle The Workout: Torrent Cycle (252 Broadway, torrentcycle.com) is a rhythm-based indoor cycling studio. “Clients can expect a 45-minute, full-body workout with high intensity intervals, upper body strength training and lots of dancing on a bike!” says co-founder Dan Cooney. The Backstory: Cooney and Mike Barney opened Torrent Cycle in December 2018. Barney previously worked in New York City in the hedge fund industry, while Cooney was the director of product development for a clothing retailer. They met in 2013 and discovered their mutual passion for fitness while living in the city—both are NASM Certified Personal Trainers. They were inspired by the close-knit fitness communities in big cities and wanted to bring the same type of fitness experience to Salt Lake. The Vibe: Torrent Cycle is a true boutique fitness studio with professionally trained instructors and full-service amenities including showers, towel service and Malin + Goetz bath products. “Top-tier amenities and facilities make the whole experience fun and luxurious,” says Cooney. “Many of our clients look forward to getting ready in our locker rooms after class.” I

Far Left Photo: Peak45. Middle Photos: Salt Lake Power Yoga. Photos on Right: Torrent Cycle.

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navigator: live

STORY BY DTA STAFF

What our new neighbors love about downtown Lara Fritts, Salt Lake City Economic Development Where are you from originally and how did you end up in Salt Lake City? I grew up in Wisconsin and spent the majority of my career in Washington, D.C. I came to Salt Lake almost three years ago to build and lead Salt Lake City’s Department of Economic Development. What do you think sets downtown Salt Lake City apart from other cities you’ve lived in or visited? Many people don’t realize that Salt Lake City proper is a town of only about 200,000 residents. For a city of this size to have an NBA franchise, Broadway-style performing arts theater, professional ballet, symphony and opera - and all downtown - is unheard of! The accessibility and access to all of these great assets and amenities is truly something that sets our downtown apart. What has surprised you about Salt Lake City? I’ve been in the economic development industry for over 25 years and what has surprised me about Salt Lake City is the partnerships. I’m continually impressed with the level of partnerships Salt Lake has with organizations and entities at the local, regional and state level - in both public and private sectors. We truly have a “Team Utah” approach to elevating Salt Lake City and Utah’s economic development and quality of life, which is truly incredible. The fact that Salt Lake City has hosted the world during an Olympic Winter Games and will soon host the world again during the United Nations Civil Society Conference is a testament to these incredible partnerships and about the ability to “get it done.” 22

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What do you look forward to in the next 5-10 years in downtown Salt Lake City? Downtown has a number of large projects that will begin construction this year, including a development on State Street, an office tower near Harmon’s and the Convention Center Hotel to name a few. Not only will these projects greatly impact those who live and work in Salt Lake City, but will be an incredible benefit for our visitors. It’s exciting to see the landscape of our city and downtown continue to change and evolve! What do you think downtown is currently missing? I think one thing downtown is missing is the opportunities with the vacant storefronts on Main Street. I would love to see (and I know my team is working with our partners to make it happen) those storefronts activated with upper-level residential units. The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (RDA) has invested $40-million over the past two years into housing - and particularly affordable housing. It’s important as we continue to do this work that we’re mindful that people want to live where they work. What advice do you have for those wanting to move their business or open a new business downtown? DO IT! Salt Lake City now has a department of economic development with a talented, nationally-recognized staff focused on corporate recruitment and retention, local and small businesses, workforce development, international trade and marketing. We want to make sure our entrepreneurs know that there are resources available to help businesses launch, succeed and thrive!

Let’s say you have a guest for 24 hours in downtown Salt Lake City. What will you share with them? Breakfast at Eva’s Tour of Temple Square Shopping at City Creek Center Lunch at Copper Onion Spend the afternoon at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art Cocktail hour at Lake Effect Dinner at Valter’s Osteria Either a show at Eccles Theater or a Utah Jazz game Wrap the day with a drink at Whiskey Street Finally, being a diehard cheesehead/Packers fan, where do you go for a taste of Wisconsin? Gracie’s is an authorized Packer’s bar in downtown Salt Lake City! #gopacgo I

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history

STORY BY LISA MICHELE CHURCH

A Taste of History at the Rio Grande

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Café

hether you are looking for guacamole or ghost stories, you can find it all at one of Salt Lake City’s oldest and most popular restaurants – the Rio Grande Café (270 S. Rio Grande St). Nestled in the historic Rio Grande Train Depot (300 S. Rio Grande St), the café combines the best of early 20th century architecture with a hip, young vibe. The vintage surroundings take you back to an earlier time when train passengers rushed in for a “blue plate special” before catching the cross-country California Zephyr. Locally-made neon signs beckon you into the café with promises of “trackside dining” and “air conditioning.” A circular oak counter stands in the center of the restaurant, just as it stood when the café opened more than 100 years ago. Only

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now, it has a toy train hovering overhead on a specially-mounted track. When you take a seat at the bar, you will notice the original oak stools, each stenciled on the back with the name of a long-time patron. “These are just the names of some of the café’s most loyal regulars,” explains Abby, a server who enjoys the camaraderie of the familiar lunch crowd. The sound of the antique jukebox echoes against the high ceiling while customers linger over their chips and signature salsa. The Rio Grande Café – originally known as the Rio Grande Coffee Shop – opened the same year as the massive train depot in 1910 and was operated by the train company at first. But during World War II, the wartime crowds grew too big and in 1944 the café was leased out to

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locals Dale Moss and George and Nelda Busby. “It was busy,” Nelda told an interviewer in 1982. “The train company couldn’t handle the constant traffic of the troop trains. We were open twenty-four hours a day and the place was constantly full. The troop trains would come in, and because the diner cars hadn’t been able to accommodate all of them, the soldiers would spill into the café. When we couldn’t move them through fast enough, the soldiers would bus the tables and wash the dishes so everyone got a chance to eat.” Over the kitchen door still hangs an oldfashioned numbers board that used to light up when each order was ready for pick-up, a reminder of long ago. Moss and his partners operated the restaurant for more than 35 years, during which time it remained popular even when train traffic waned. In 1979, the entire train depot was purchased by the Utah Historical Society and the Rio Grande Coffee Shop closed with the retirement of Moss and his partners. It was soon

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reincarnated as the Rio Grande Café serving Mexican food with its trademark salsas and specialty margaritas. Fortunately, the historic décor was saved and, even today, the original oak paneling, antique oak chairs and linoleumtopped tables add rich atmosphere. Floor-toceiling windows overlook the old train tracks where diners awaited their train arrivals. The last trains stopped running in the 1980s but the clock on the café wall still glows “Zephyr” in bright turquoise neon. Behind the counter sit timeless wooden refrigerators with glass doors and an authentic phone booth is down the hall. Tasty enchiladas are served on old-fashioned plates; watch for one of the original “blue plates” still circulating at the café. Just when you feel you might actually be back in the 1950s you will catch sight of the giant papier mache taco hanging from the ceiling! This fascinating art sculpture (done by a University of Utah student in the 1980s) is entitled “Chick-In-Taco” – pun intended! Beyond the delicious food and vintage vibe, you

can also visit the café in search of the famous ghost of the Purple Lady. Abby, the server, tells me there are many versions of the tragic tale, all involving love and death. “In the one I heard, the lady dressed in purple sends her lover off to war on the train right out there – I think it is during World War I – and she waits for him to return. Instead of seeing him get off the train at the end of the war, she finds out he was killed and she throws herself on the tracks in her uncontrollable grief. They carried her body to the ladies’ restroom and people still see her ghost wandering through there today!” Pete Henderson and his family ran the café from the 1980s until recently, when it was sold to local restaurateurs Byron Lovell, Matt Bourgeois and Bryan O’Meara. They are known for fabulous restorations of other historic buildings, most recently bringing their Porcupine Pub and Grille to the old fire station by the University of Utah. The Rio Grande Café’s storied past and evocative décor keep this excellent restaurant thriving today as a community icon. I

spring / summer 2019

TRANSIT (2019) DIR. Christian Petzold

Film fuels DREAMS, IGNITES conscience, and sparks COMMUNITY.

culture

STORY AND PHOTOS BY GEORGE TSANGARIS

The Salt Lake and the City How do you pronounce a word like Utah? Above: Church History Museum.

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was 11 years old when I first saw the word “Utah” for the first time and mispronounced it “ah-tah.” It was at a school project on where we went for our summer vacation. Since I was living in Cyprus, most people did their projects on the Greek islands or London. A Kiwi classmate did hers on her trip to the United States and specifically to an exotic-sounding (and unpronounceable) place called Utah, visiting for religious reasons. Utah was a land – if we were to judge from the cut-outs glued on her project – of towering mountains, vast open valleys and a sparkling church. The best projects were pinned on the classroom wall and needless to say hers made the centre of the classroom wall.

“Is that in America?” someone asked. “Duh! It’s Utah,” said my Kiwi classmate. So that’s how you pronounce it. “Yoo-ta.” Since then I was interested with the Mars-like landscape of Utah as well as being intrigued by the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints (LDS). Through my research I learnt that Latter-day Saints, being a persecuted people, went out west looking for a home for their new faith. Their pilgrimage to a new land culminated with the creation of a city at the edge of a lake, spring / summer 2019

we were greeted by the shimmering lights and skyscrapers of Utah’s capital city. If the Beatles sang “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” then my Salt Lake City trip was “George in the Desert with Gems.” Like a pirate digging for treasure, I wanted to uncover all of the city’s hidden gems. I will admit that what I most wanted to experience was LDS culture and heritage and so began with a tour of Temple Square. Visitors get a tour of the Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, the two visitors centres and a taste of LDS history. The 177-room temple is off-limits to non-LDS members. Even LDS members need a recommendation from their bishop to enter. Just a stone-throw away from Temple Square is the Beehive House, which was Brigham Young’s home. Young was the second LDS Prophet and his home, which is now beautifully restored, is a tour that is more social than religious, as it paints an insight into how his family lived when the city was founded.

which is at the edge of a vast desert. Salt Lake City is now as sporty as Denver and as quirky as Portland. How could I not visit? Flying in from LA, my friend and I began our three-day trip with a brief tour of the state, driving westwards towards the Bonneville Salt Flats. When we got there instead of salt we discovered a low-level lake. We drove 10 more miles into West Wendover, Nevada to ask for directions in case we missed it.

Top Left: Church History Museum. Bottom Left: Utah State Capitol. Top Right: Rainbow Flag in Window. Bottom Right: "LEIBEN" License Plate. spring / summer 2019

My friend almost groaned (“not more religion”) when I said we would visit the Church History Museum but it was perhaps one of the most interesting parts of the trip. The artwork in the museum was lovingly made and beautifully crafted by LDS members from around the world, to show their devotion to their faith. Even though we did not subscribe to the LDS religion, we could not help but feel touched by the depth of their artists’ love of their religion, which came out through their work.

“Those are the Salt Flats,” said the friendly lady at the tourist information office. “But they’re flooded over. The water won’t be gone until June. And it needs to evaporate. It doesn’t soak into the ground.”

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the city held so much more in store than religious sites. Salt Lake City is a city of contrasts: from the numerous downtown tattoo parlours to the expensive car dealerships that dot State Street.

We were disappointed but... not for long. After taking the touristy snaps at the UtahNevada line, we began our journey back to the city only to experience the most beautiful views on the way there. We saw the snow-capped mountains turn pink as the sun’s rays shone on them, clear reflections of mountains on lakes and horses grazing by a mountain side. It was not hard to see why pioneers would want to settle here. By dusk

The city was filled with small surprises that would fit well within a rom-com such as: the rainbow flag painted on a window near to the Cathedral of the Madeleine; the car with number plates that read “LEIBEN,” the German word for love; the murals that actually had a message such as the one that said “este barrio no se vende” (this neighbourhood is not for sale); or the mariachi band that appeared out of nowhere downtown the magazine

at Utah’s State Capital in order to celebrate a girl’s quinceañera. Even though it was March, the sparkling lights and lit-up trees, the snow on the mountains and the crisp Utah air gave us the impression that it was Christmas. The city was much more diverse than we expected with well-integrated Hispanic and Asian communities and they represented their communities through their gastronomy. We were spoilt for choice when it came to cuisine, having brunch at Eva’s Bakery, a French boulangerie in downtown Salt Lake City. Not to be missed is Mrs. Backer’s Pastry Shop, which has been a hit in the city for 78 years. There were dozens of bars to choose from as we searched for a spot to have an informal dinner with fantastic cocktails. A word of caution to the traveller: if you do not have a US driver’s license, you need a passport to get you into any establishment that serves alcohol. A foreign driver’s license will not cut it. Other highlights included seeing the frescoed walls and ceiling of the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Being a book lover, I had a long wander in Ken Sanders Rare Books - a bookshop with so many genres that I could have spent more time in there than we had. But we had to make our way home, and like all good things, our trip had to come to an end. One thing I was not surprised about: Salt Lake City was as unique as I expected it to be. I Top Photo: Eva’s Bakery. Bottom Photo: Ken Sanders Rare Books.

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Breakfast Lunch Catering 779 S. 500 E. 801-906-0698

170 S. Main St 801-355- 2400

Bagelproject.com

slc skyline

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STORY BY JULIA PARTAIN

spring / summer 2019

emperatures are not the only thing rising in downtown this summer. With a slew of new projects on the horizon, downtown Salt Lake’s skyline continues to rise with these high profile buildings.

Convention Center Hotel

One of downtown’s most highly anticipated projects, the Convention Center Hotel (200 S. West Temple), is slated to break ground later this year and will add to the city skyline when it opens in 2022. “The 27-story hotel will feature over 700 rooms, approximately 62,000 square feet of meeting space, a restaurant, lobby bar and lounge, fitness and pool deck with event terrace,” according to Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Erin Litvack. A hotel operator will be announced later this year. With a direct connection from the hotel lobby to the Salt Palace Convention Center pre-function and exhibit hall spaces, the combination of the hotel and the Salt Palace public spaces will create an opportunity for synergistic relationships. This new activated shared space at the ground level is intended to be an extension of the urban environment and a place to meet and interact. “A hotel at the convention center has been something the area has needed for a long time,” said Litvack. “We believe and know from our convention and meeting planners that we’ve been spring / summer 2019

marketing to for years that this has been one of the missing pieces of the puzzle for them to choose our destination for their convention.” The hotel will be a boon to local businesses, bars, restaurants and contribute to the overall vibrancy of our city. With the addition of this hotel and other planned full-service hotels in the vicinity, downtown is poised to attract more high-spend meetings and convention visitors. “This project strengthens the Salt Lake product offering for meetings, conventions and tourism,” says Downtown Alliance Executive Director Dee Brewer. “The hotel investment will continue to ripple through the city encouraging additional investment in hospitality and other businesses that are an amenity to all and that will enhance the local property and sales tax base.” Salt Lake County officials are working with Atlanta based Portman Holdings (portmanholdings. com) to design and develop the hotel in partnership with St. George based development firm DDRM (ddrmcompanies.com). The proposed site is located at the southeast plaza corner of the Salt Palace Convention Center. Photo on Left: Current downtown SLC Skyline. Top Middle: Convention Center Hotel. Top Right: Salt Palace Convention Center. downtown the magazine

95 State at City Creek Building Rendering.

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spring / summer 2019

95 State at City Creek

Downtown’s next office tower, 95 State at City Creek (95 S. State St) is gearing up to be the third-tallest building in Utah. Towering at 393 feet, 95 State will occupy the northeast corner of the intersection of 100 S. and State Street, directly west of Harmons grocery store. City Creek Reserve Inc., the downtown Salt Lake City real estate arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is responsible for several of Salt Lake’s largest real estate projects, including this new 25-story, high-rise tower. 95 State has been part of the plans for the three city blocks that make up the City Creek redevelopment project since it was still in the design phase. “It has been anticipated since day one of the master plan,” says Matt Baldwin, Director of Real Estate Development for City Creek Reserve, Inc. “It was just about finding the right building at the right time.” The sweeping, curved and glassy design for 95 State has its roots in another City Creek

Reserve building: 111 Main, which was designed by the same architectural firm, Skidmore Owings & Merrill (www.som. com). “Looking to differentiate from the mostly rectangular downtown skyline, 95 State has an organic shape, with rounded corners and slightly curved curtain walls,” adds Baldwin. “We are able to do this without compromising the efficiency of space for tenants.” The project will use existing parking built previously in anticipation of the tower, but will add an additional two levels of subgrade parking under the building. An airy, open lobby at ground level will greet guests with a 92-foot-long media wall, displaying Utah scenery and artwork. The fifth level houses an outdoor deck on the north side of the building where building occupants can eat lunch, hold meetings and enjoy some downtime. Large conference rooms supported by a catering kitchen and audio and video technology will provide tenants with a convenient space to meet when their

own conference rooms are not large enough to handle meetings. A full fitness center rounds out the level-five floorplan. “More and more office buildings, domestic and international, are being built with amenities similar to luxury multi-family housing,” says Baldwin. “The market is demanding that we take it to the next level at 95 State.” In addition to the tower construction, a 39,000-square-foot meeting house will be built on the north side of the building and will be independently operated and accessed. A new pavilion will replace the current Social Hall Avenue entry to the existing east-west tunnel under State St that connects to City Creek. The tunnel will be redone as well, with an innovative design that will include a restaurant along with specialty retail stores. “3,500 people will be utilizing the tower, so we need resources to support them,” Baldwin explains. “With businesses anticipating the new building, we have commitments to deliver the project by the fall of 2021.”

Union Station Hotel 95 State at City Creek

West Quarter (Block 67) Convention Center Hotel

255 S. State

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Liberty Sky Rendering.

Liberty Sky

Liberty Sky (151 S. State St) a high-rise luxury rental lifestyle, is making its debut in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Located steps from shopping at City Creek Center and an easy walk to Harmons grocery store, the Eccles Theater and all of the best of downtown, Liberty Sky provides the views and the lifestyle of an amenity-rich high-rise with the convenience and flexibility of a luxury rental. “This is an irreplaceable location to build Salt Lake’s first high-rise rental product,” said Dan Lofgren, president and CEO of Cowboy 36

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Partners (cowboyproperties.com) which has partnered with The Boyer Company (boyercompany.com) to develop this first-inclass community. With its soaring roof-line and bold and modern glass-and-concrete architecture, Liberty Sky will be 21 stories with 272 residential units, ranging from studios to large and open two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment offers a full menu of smart home features, open floor plans, modern kitchens, luxury baths and breathtaking 10-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Amenities offered at Liberty Sky are as expansive as the views. The ground floor will include an impressive lobby, conference room, Wi-Fi café and guest hosting areas. Roof-top amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, high-end fitness center, barbecue stations, viewing decks, entertainment room and E-gaming studio. Pet-friendly and bicycle-friendly amenities are part of the offerings, as well as on-site dry cleaning drop off and pickup and controlled building access. In every sense, Liberty Sky is establishing a whole new level of living in downtown Salt Lake City. I spring / summer 2019

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summer in the city

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STORY BY BETH LOPEZ

spring / summer 2019

alt Lake summers are an ode to all things outside. From balmy mornings to blazing-bright afternoons to breezy picnic-in-the-park nights, this is when the city shines. The buzz of the Beehive capitol is strong: there’s so much to do that it’s wise to calendar out the big-time happenings … and leave room in between for wanderings through gardens, markets and food truck showdowns. Salt Lake’s most sizzling season flies by before you know it. So start daydreaming early and savor each moment along the way. The hottest festivals

Listen up, because every festival listed here deserves a gold star on your calendar. Kicking the summer off with rainbow-hued pizazz is the Utah Pride Festival (utahpridecenter.org) — which is one of the biggest and best attended in the country. The festival occupies downtown’s Washington Square from June 1-2, with a wildly fun (and family friendly!) parade through the city on the final morning. Foodies unite...and for a good cause, too! Taste Utah’s innovative culinary landscape at Salt Lake’s premier outdoor progressive food and drink event—Tastemakers. The two-day festival, June 13-14, brings sample tastings from Utah’s best restaurants in Salt Lake magazine’s exclusive dining pavilion at The Gateway. Tastemakers helps support Utah Foster Care and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to make sure kids find a good home. Keep the food coma at bay as you troll a gallery of street murals at Utah Foster Care’s 17th Annual Chalk Art Festival, June 14-16. More than 100 local artists create masterpieces in real time at The Gateway, with family-friendly live entertainment and cuisine from your favorite food trucks. Next up, on June 20-23, the Utah Arts Festival (uaf.org) brings a burst of color, inspiration, food and music to downtown. Thousands flock to Library Square to get in on the fun — browsing the work of artists from all over the mountain west, sampling food truck fare and taking in the all-day live music performances. There’s a section of the festival just for kiddos, so bring ‘em for some art appreciation with a good dose of craft time. A month later, on July 24, Pioneer Day Photo: Utah Arts Festival. spring / summer 2019

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merriment takes over the town. About half the population goes all-in on the Days of ‘47 (daysof47.com) pioneer-themed parade commemorating the first Mormon settlers’ entry in the Salt Lake Valley. The other half of the city’s citizens get a little more excited about Pie and Beer Day, the holiday’s heathen spin-off, which is celebrated at many a watering-hole. Weekly To-Do’s: Eat, Wander, Repeat.

A few of Salt Lake’s finest summer delights happen every week—such as the everpopular Downtown Farmers Market (slcfarmersmarket.org). Every Saturday morning during the summer, thousands flock to Pioneer Park to pick up fresh tomatoes, peaches, greens and every other veggie under the sun. Food trucks are on hand for an unbeatable breakfast, so settle in and enjoy a little people-watching under a shady tree. Half of the park houses the Downtown Art & Craft Market, so after you fill up on goodies, you can stroll locally made items like jewelry, pottery, artwork, clothing, lotions and soaps and homegoods.

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By prime harvest season, the Downtown Farmers Market adds an additional day—with a bonus Tuesday Market that’s quieter and more low-key than the Saturday morning bonanzas. The Tuesday evening markets include fun extras like community yoga classes and a beer garden for summer sippin’. Music enthusiasts can’t pass up the weekly free concerts at the open-air Gallivan Center (239 S. Main St, thegallivancenter.com) stage. The Free Lunch Bunch Concert Series features an eclectic collection of local bands, storytellers and entertainers weekdays, May 28 - August 30 at noon. Meanwhile, Thursdays bring a double dose of fun. Have lunch at Food Truck Thursdays (facebook. com/FoodTruckThursdays) on Gallivan Avenue, where food trucks from near and far gather to offer you noodles, falafel, burritos, gyros, waffles or any combination thereof. Later in the summer, Gallivan Center brings back the reveled Thursday night summer Twilight Concert Series (twilightconcerts. com) presenting renowned artists in a variety of genres including indie-rock, hip-hop, reggae and blues. Photos on Left: The Gateway. Photos on Right: Downtown Farmers Market.

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Can’t-Miss Hangouts

Food trucks may be a hot item amid the Salt Lake summer scene, but don’t let them steal all your attention away from the city’s best restaurant patios. For outdoor dining, be sure to stop by the Copper Onion (111 E. Broadway, thecopperonion.com): come for the burger, stay for the brussels sprouts; Caffe Molise (404 S. West Temple, caffemolise. com) dishes up amazing homecooked Italian food; Eva’s (317 S. Main St, evaslc.com) serves tapas to die for. Quite a few bars offer fun decks too—including the sprawling outdoor areas at Gracie’s (326 S. West Temple, graciesslc.com), the rooftop deck at The Green Pig (31 E. 400 South, thegreenpigpub.com) and the sidewalk people-watching at Beer Bar (161 E. 200 South, beerbarslc.com). 42

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Above: Food Truck Thursday at Gallivan Avenue. Below: Beer Bar.

spring / summer 2019

You can walk off all the calories strolling the pretty landscaped grounds and impressive pioneerera architecture at Temple Square (templesquare.com) admiring the handiwork of determined settlers who built a temple and tabernacle before they even had nails or railroad supply lines. City Creek Center (shopcitycreekcenter. com), just across the way, is one of the prettiest shopping developments youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever see. The actual stream of City Creek Canyon runs through the openair mall, adding to the peaceful setting. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a way to slip away from the urban bustle and remind yourself just how pretty this big little mountain city is. I

Above: City Creek Center. Below: Temple Square.

spring / summer 2019

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cowork 2.0

STORY BY DEREK DEITSCH

Downtown’s Best Hotspots for the Digital Nomad

Church & State.

ore than ever, our workforce needs flexibility and adaptability in office space. The traditional concept of offices won’t go away any time soon, but the growing number of startups and reliance on freelance workers require a different type of office. Coworking is not necessarily a new concept to Salt Lake City – we first wrote about downtown coworking spaces in our spring 2015 issue – but we are witnessing a sort of coworking renaissance. Over the past year, a number of significant players have entered the coworking scene and still others are poised to open or expand in the coming year.

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But why coworking space? With ever-increasing technology, remote work is becoming much more prevalent across industries. This affords flexibility like never before to work from anywhere. While staying home may seem appealing, it is often difficult to maintain motivation and it can stunt workers’ potential for ongoing professional development. Coworking space is designed as a social environment. Whether you have a private office or just community access, the proximity to other members allows you to meet other professionals from different industries. Most spring / summer 2019

coworking groups even coordinate events to foster that sense of community and connectedness. Unique programs not only facilitate networking, but can help workers learn new skills related to business operations. This is especially beneficial for smaller companies that generally do not have access to the same benefits as large corporations. Naturally, coworking spaces have proven to be a benefit to property owners as well. No longer do they have to deal with inevitable turnover when working with small businesses because that burden is handed over to the coworking organization. It allows easy collaboration and the possibility to adapt for growing teams, without the restriction of traditional long-term leases. spring / summer 2019

The fast-growing workforce in Utah has welcomed these companies. It may seem the sudden influx would force some coworking spaces out of business, but it ultimately keeps them competitive and provides the best possible amenities for workers in Salt Lake City. While there is a large number of coworking spaces in the downtown area, here’s a look at some we think are poised to have the greatest impact in the near future. Church & State

With a mission of developing entrepreneurs and startups, Church & State (370 S. 300 East, cs1893.com) established itself as a nonprofit in 2014. It offers a mentorship program to help entrepreneurs attain necessary skills and resources, as well as a startup boot camp called “Church & State

Academy.” You’ll be in awe of the renovated 19th Century church building. CommonGrounds

Found in the old Orpheum Theatre building, CommonGrounds (132 S. State St, cgworkspace.com) features a number of luxury and modern amenities. Members are greeted by a barista equipped with a custom imported espresso machine. The entire space is outfitted with sit-to-stand desks to ensure maximum comfortability as you get your work done. Impact Hub

Despite being one of the world’s largest coworking chains, Impact Hub (150 S. State St, hubsaltlake.com) has integrated itself well into the downtown business community. The Hub regularly hosts workshops and panels with topics ranging downtown the magazine

from cybersecurity and social good to photography and Bollywood dance. With locations around the globe, members of Impact Hub can have a place to work even when traveling abroad. Industrious

Opened in the Clift Building last year, Industrious (10 W. Broadway, industriousoffice.com) boasts chic, modern offices with some great views overlooking the intersection of Broadway and Main Street. It is certainly on the higher end of coworking spaces available and you’ll get a number of premium amenities along with your membership. Kiln

Founded and based in Lehi, you can’t deny Kiln’s (26 S. Rio Grande St, kilnspace.com) Utah roots. It is dedicated to helping launch earlystage tech companies as well as attracting out-of-state enterprises looking to enter a new market. The space at The Gateway is strategically located near the North Temple FrontRunner stations, allowing members easy access to a base both in downtown and Silicon Slopes. Kiln has its sights set on expansion to new markets both in Utah and the western U.S. by the end of next year. The Wave

Top 3 Photos: Kiln. Bottom 2 Photos: Impact Hub.

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Housed in the beautiful, historic Commercial Club building, The Wave (32 E. Exchange Pl, thewavewomen.com) strives to provide safe workspace for women. An entire floor is dedicated to feminine-identifying individuals. An elegant ballroom is available for private events and members will have access to an on-site beauty bar and Jr. Member Space to drop off children during meetings. Future plans include activation of up to seven floors of the building. WeWork

It is impossible to talk about the emergence of coworking without mentioning WeWork (460 W.

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50 North and 90 S. 400 West, wework. com). Currently operating more than 425 locations in at least 100 cities around the world, WeWork is set to open four Utah locations this summer. Two of those locations will be downtown, adjacent to The Gateway, featuring 1,500 desk spaces. The Salt Lake City market will also incorporate its Veterans in Residence program, offering military veterans space and services for a six month period. While this is a large investment in a new market, WeWork is already looking at opportunities for future expansion based on significant growth and innovation in our community. I

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Top 2 Photos: The Wave. Middle Right: Exterior of The Wave. Bottom 3 Photos: WeWork.

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Patio season is officially upon us and there’s no better way to usher in the warmer weather than perched on a downtown patio, beverages and bites within reach. Downtown’s booming culinary scene is best enjoyed outdoors. Take a seat and order your favorite libation: we’re sharing the best sizzling dishes and chilly confections greeting diners this season.

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spring / summer 2019

STORY BY DARBY DOYLE

B R I N G I N G T H E O U T D O O R S I N AT

Campos Roastery & Kitchen

ustralian founder Will Young named his nascent coffee roasting company Campos (after the Spanish word for ‘fields’ or ‘countryside’) as a reminder that great coffee originates in a specific place, grown and harvested by farmers ethically and with care. Since those beginnings in 1997, Campos has become synonymous with coffee-culture crazy Australia. Park City, Utah became the brand’s first permanent North American shop in 2017.

Photos at Campos Roastery & Kitchen on Edison St.

The flagship café, Campos Roastery & Kitchen (228 Edison St, us.camposcoffee.com) subtly evokes those countryside origins, with plenty of live plants and huge louvered windows stretching across the street views of the shop fronting narrow Edison Street. Campos U.S. Head of Retail Hillary Merrill says, “We basically wanted to make it feel as open to the outdoors as possible during the pleasant months of the year.” Along with bench seating available out front, the cafe embraces the best of both possible worlds: the feeling of being outside with the shady comfort of indoor dining. “We want customers to have a lot of options. In nice weather we’ll open up the big garage doors to do street style pick up coffee service or guests can linger with a full all-day

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menu developed by Chef Jordan Miller.” Making an afternoon or evening stop at Campos even more enticing, the café now has a beer and wine license to complement the full dinner offerings and shareable small plates. With a nod to keeping it local, several Salt Lake breweries are on regular rotation. For sunny weekends and evenings spent seeking out city views and live music, Campos’ Private Dining Coordinator McKenna McQuarrie shared plans for the recently completed rooftop garden. Says McQuarrie, “We’re integrating as much greenery and flowers as we can,” on the edges of the cozy space, which has standing tables for beer and wine service along with food. “With these additions, great coffee will always be the star at Campos,” says Merrill. On-site bean roasting and exacting cupping analysis by roaster AJ Bradshaw-Tezjan, who came to Utah from Australia, ensures top quality across the board. “We’ve no ambition to be the next Starbucks,” says Merrill with a laugh. “Campos is all about spreading ‘good’ around the world,” through supporting coffee growers’ communities and beyond. Says Merrill of their philosophy, “You can have success and still have heart.” I downtown the magazine

STORY BY DARBY DOYLE

tahns are legendarily cuckoo for ice cream, being some of the biggest consumers of the sweet stuff in the United States. Hopping scoop shops, concrete mix-in cafes and soft serve venues swirl year-round to a constant stream of ice cream lovin’ regulars. For downtown’s denizens, the options have never been better. Here are some of our top picks totally worth the brain freeze. Last Course Dessert Studio With several locations in Utah, Last Course (115 S. Regent St, lastcourse.com) has the local favorites dialed in. Decadent 50

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cakes, airy crepes, sharable waffle sundaes and the scoops menu has all choices you’d expect at a classic ice cream shop. But what sets this spot apart? Last Course rewards adventurous ice cream eaters with crazy-like-a-fox flavor combos like rosemary-honey, smoked maple bacon, creamy pear and blue cheese (it works!), jalapeño berry and monthly surprise flavors. Capo Gelateria Italiana The famed frozen treat of Italy, gelato is made from milk (instead of cream) and churned slowly to reduce the amount of air whipped

into the mix. This makes for a distinctively dense, velvety and flavor-packed scoop. At Capo Gelateria Italiana (260 S. 200 West, capogelateria.com), all of the rich gelati and vibrantly-hued fruit sorbetti are made in-house with top-notch ingredients in small batches. Monkeywrench Plant based. Vegan. No matter what you prefer as the descriptor, it’s all things delicious at Monkeywrench (53 E. Gallivan Ave, @ monkeywrench_slc). Stop by this cheerful cafe for non-dairy scoops of 16 rotating flavors made with the shop’s cashew-coconut blend and all natural colors and flavors. Check out seasonal collaborations

with local brands like Kiitos Brewing, like a decadent double chocolate coconut stout liberally rippled with chocolate fudge. Monkeywrench’s sunny Gallivanadjacent patio is one of the best perks of summertime in downtown Salt Lake City. I Top Left Photos: Last Course Dessert Studio. Right Side Photos: Monkeywrench. Bottom Center Photos: Capo Gelateria Italiana.

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STORY BY DARBY DOYLE

ever ones to rest on their laurels, Salt Lake restaurateurs continue to bring their A game to the city dining scene. These new spots bring even more diversity to the downtown roster. The Daily The latest addition to Chef/Owner Ryan Lowder’s Copper Group, The Daily (222 S. Main St, thedailyslc. com) hit the ground running on Main Street from day one. Daytime counter service features Stumptown Coffee, loose leaf teas, fresh-baked treats and local faves like gooey grilled cheese and tomato soup combos. In a hurry? There’s a tempting array of grab n’ go salads, sandwiches, fruit-topped breakfast parfaits and fresh-squeezed juices. The Daily has also become a weekend brunch staple of downtown living, with full bar service after 10:30 a.m. Mimosas, anyone?

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Ramen Bar Just under a year ago Chef/Owners Sergei and Shani Oveson brought Ramen Bar (319 Main St) to Main Street after the success of their original location in Ogden, Ramen Haus. While the full-service restaurant Ramen Bar has a steady stream of business lunch customers, the place really gets hopping in the evening with sexy low lighting and a thoughtful sake and Japanese beer menu. Attentive service and touches like shoyu marinated soft eggs in nuanced broth sets this spot apart. Sonoma Grill It’s always great to see another wine bar open up in downtown Salt Lake City, and Sonoma Grill (110 W. Broadway, sonomagrillut. com) makes a welcome addition with an extensive vino selection by-the-glass and deep bottle menu. Rounding out Bonpatt Companies’ Fat Jacks Burger Emporium and Christopher’s Prime Tavern & Grill, Sonoma Grill’s emphasis is a bit on the lighter side of fine dining,

with plenty of California-influenced salads, wood-fired dome oven pizzas and satisfying gluten free entrees. While wine is definitely the star here, the cocktail list is solid and there are plenty of local beers on draught and brews by the bottle. Chedda Burger “Downtown will always be super important to us,” says Co-owner Ryan Andrus of the late May 2019 move of Chedda Burger (cheddaburger.co) from their first snug brick-and-mortar shop on 600 South to a new location in The Gateway which will allow for more seating capacity. Since Chef/ Co-owner Nick Watt founded the super-popular Chedda food truck in 2012, the loaded burgers, tots and shake shops have now also expanded to Foothills Village and Lehi. “Downtown has come so far in the last five years in terms of food, entertainment and overall culture,” says Andrus. “It’s truly a vibrant community that fits the Chedda Burger brand perfectly.” I

Top 2 Photos: Sonoma Grill. Middle 2 Photos: Ramen Bar. Bottom 2 Photos: The Daily.

STORY BY DARBY DOYLE

grew up in the restaurant business,” says Bourbon Group (bourbongroup. com) Executive Chef Matt Crandall of his years in hospitality. His greatgrandparents owned and operated downtown neighborhood staple Hale’s Market, and grandfather Don Hale founded Salt Lake City institutions Hires Big H and Litzas Pizza. Crandall’s first job was parking lot picker-upper starting in fourth grade. Says Crandall with a laugh, “It was a big deal when I got promoted to dishwasher,” as a teenager. He’s come a long way since those seminal years in the family shops’ parking lot. Crandall attended the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, and worked at Aspen, Colorado’s prestigious Caribou Club. “It was great,” he says of the experience, “but my intention was always to come back to Utah.” He did so in anticipation of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games restaurant build-up, leading kitchens at some of Salt Lake City and Park City’s top spots including a five-year stint at Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops. Crandall also credits good timing with joining the Bourbon Group. “[Managing partner] Jason LeCates approached me right after he opened Bourbon House (19 E. 200 South, bourbonhouseslc.com). And then we opened Whiskey Street (323 S. Main St, whiskeystreet. com) together,” bringing the group’s concept of great food, top-shelf spirits and craft cocktails to Main Street six years ago. Shortly thereafter, the team opened White Horse Spirits and Kitchen (325 Main St, whitehorseslc.com) with an upscale American brasserie vibe. Says Crandall of overseeing three distinct concepts, “We had to have each spot stand on its own,” for both the menu and ambiance. “You can’t compete with yourself,” and still make all three successful, he says.

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Beyond the walls of Crandall’s three kitchens, however, the competitive gloves come off. He won multiple “Taste of Utah” events while at Spencer’s, has had recipes featured in national competitions (such as his cherry and kirschsoaked lava cake, which won the national Cherry Institute top prize) and was winner of the inaugural Downtown Alliance Chef Showdown in 2017. “That one really challenged me as a chef,” says Crandall of the live throwdown starring kohlrabi as the mystery ingredient. “I’d never even seen it before, so it really made me think outside the box.” His Southern-inspired first course of kohlrabi prepared in the spirit of fried green tomatoes with a vibrant smear of pimento cheese was a crowd favorite. Most recently, the Bourbon Group received a muchcoveted spot in the Salt Lake City airport terminal expansion, set to open September 2020. The key to keeping innovative? “Travel,” says Crandall definitively. “You’ve got keep trying new things to stay on top of your game.” As Bourbon Group Food and Beverage Director, he says pulling inspiration from great food cities like Chicago, Portland, Nashville and Seattle is a crucial and on-going part of his job. He also credits his wife (who also has a background in the restaurant biz) and four children with keeping him grounded. “Maintaining a balance of work and family life is key,” he says of the industry’s notorious time sacrifices. “Getting outside makes for great family days,” spending most of his summer hours off boating and wakeboarding with the Crandall crew. But Crandall’s earliest family foundations remain the core of his success. “My grandfather was all about having the best quality ingredients,” he says of his youth spent in kitchens: “Everything was made from scratch in-house.” Each Bourbon Group restaurant shows the same attention to detail, from house-made ketchup to his superlative smoked Tasso ham. “It’s a commitment to quality that I learned early,” Crandall says with a smile. I

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STORY BY DEREK DEITSCH PHOTOS BY MAKENZIE JAMIAS

Listen Up! Seabird’s the Word A new breed of bar aims to please your ears as much as your taste buds.

n case you haven’t heard, a revival is developing over at The Gateway, and it’s certainly worth checking out. The center is quickly evolving from the more traditional open-air shopping mall of its past to become a destination for entertainment and nightlife on the west side of downtown. One of the new faces to The Gateway is Seabird Bar & Vinyl Room (seabirdutah.com). Set to open downtown in May — the bar’s name pays homage to Utah’s state bird, the California gull. Seabird’s concept was modeled after vinyl listening rooms in Japan, which have emerged as a result of the growing popularity of vinyl records around the world. Despite the popularity of ondemand streaming services, vinyl has seen over 250% growth over the past ten years as younger generations are learning to appreciate its rich spring / summer 2019

sound quality. The Seabird team believes that trend is alive and well here in Utah. The record selection includes a curated list of the albums you know and love mixed in with ones you might not be familiar, but probably should be. Seabird plans to host a variety of special events for vinyl-lovers, including pop-up record store events, curated music nights and even some hifi education. Warm tunes are joined by an assortment of libations. The cocktail menu is influenced by a team of skilled bartenders. There will always be a signature list made up of four classic cocktails as well as four seasonal combinations, utilizing both seasonal ingredients and locally-produced spirits, when available. Seabird is dedicated to featuring local distilleries, such as Vida Tequila (vidatequila.com) and Black Feather Whiskey

(blackfeatherwhiskey.com). Local brews and a premium selection of wines will also be available. Seabird will offer high-quality bar snacks. You can look forward to a rotating list of artisan cheeses and charcuterie. Whether you are an avid consumer of vintage vinyl or just looking for specialty cocktails in a laid back setting, Seabird is a go-to option in downtown’s west side. You can find it nestled right next to La Barba Coffee (labarbacoffee.com) above the Olympic Legacy Plaza fountain at The Gateway. Seabird is scheduled to open mid-May, so keep an eye on downtown SLC's social media accounts to make sure you're among the first to experience it! I

downtown the magazine

STORY BY FARMERS MARKET STAFF

he Downtown Farmers Market kicks off its 28th season in Pioneer Park on June 8. Once again, farmers, food purveyors artists and crafters will line the park with local wares and tens of thousands of patrons from near and far will shop, eat and enjoy the best Utah has to offer. Pioneer Park has undergone a significant transformation, with the removal of the restroom building in the center of the park to make way for the installation of a multi-use grass field ringed by trees, a pathway and new lighting. These changes will help to activate the park with new and different activities and invite local residents to toss a frisbee, kick around a soccer ball or just take a stroll in this friendly green space downtown. It will also increase the safety and security in the park with clear sightlines and added visibility throughout the park. Combined with the efforts of Operation Rio Grande, a multi-agency effort to improve public safety in the neighborhood, the changes in the park will see reduced crime and drug-related activity in the area, assisting those in need of services for homelessness or health issues. Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation leaders worked closely with the Downtown Farmers Market team to make sure these changes accommodated and even enhanced the market experience. The market experience, such that it is, will not feel dramatically different for patrons, with the exception of the newly configured “Food Fairway,” the ultimate place to grab a coffee or lemonade and try food from around the world. From Pad Thai to Sudanese lentils to authentic Sicilian pizza, hungry market-goers can explore delicious cuisine while people watching at the picnic tables. The Market operates under a vigorous “Waste Wise” mission, with the end goal of putting as little waste as possible in the landfill. Singleuse plastic bags are not allowed, so folks are encouraged to bring their reusable bags (or pick one up for $1 at the Market Info booth if you forget). People are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle and fill up for free at one of our many 54

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water stations throughout the park and to walk, bike or take public transit to the market. Load up! There are multiple Waste Wise stations throughout the park, where you can recycle your plastic, paper and glass. This year we’ll be collecting organic waste (such as fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, fats, liquids, raw food, prepared food, etc.) which will be delivered to the new Wasatch Resource Recovery anaerobic digester. Waste in the digester is heated to aid the growth of microbes which break down the organic matter, without the use of oxygen, resulting in biogas production. The gas is then captured and purified before it is converted into biomethane (renewable natural gas) and fed into the nearby gas pipeline and sold into the market as renewable “green” power.

really all about the food - the freshest and most diverse selection of locally grown produce in the state, sourced from a roughly 250-mile radius. Farmers run the gamut, from large legacy farms to start-up urban farms, offering everything from Bear Lake raspberries to Santaquin cherries to mizuna greens grown in Millcreek. Many growers specialize in unique varieties of heirloom tomatoes, greens, peppers, houseplants, cut flowers and herbs. While you’ll find your favorite vendors returning every year, there are always a handful of new vendors just getting their start, making the Downtown Farmers Market ground zero for discovering new foods and products that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re in the market for locally brewed kombucha or grassfed beef, you’ll find it all, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City! I

Of course, the Downtown Farmers Market is spring / summer 2019

Corner Stones BY DEREK KITCHEN | STATE SENATOR

assumption that Salt Lake City is just a sleepy town where you can’t get a drink and with nothing to do on Sundays. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s something truly unique about being the urban core of a community that has historically been dominated by a single culture with such a unique identity. It provides the perfect backdrop for a strong and vibrant counterculture.

019 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Salt Lake City, and downtown in particular, as we continue our trend of explosive growth and embark on an important election to select a new mayor. From a development standpoint, we are building on previous efforts to amplify our growth and position our city for the future. We are seeing unique developments filling our skyline and bringing new energy to corners of downtown that have been sleepy for many years, creating new neighborhoods in the process. It’s exciting to see people investing in our city in such meaningful ways. Picking up where others have left off, beginning developments that spent many years waiting for their day to come and breathing new life into planned projects that we’ve needed for many years. One of the gratifying things about being 56

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a politician is the opportunity to have meaningful connections with many of the businesses, developers, residents, artists and urbanists that flock to our downtown. On the city council, I was able to play a key role in re-zoning portions of our city and setting the stage for continued population growth, addressing the big challenges of homelessness and bringing more art to the city with projects like the Mural Grant Program. Now, as the state senator that gets to represent downtown, I am finding ever more joy in showing off the most urban part of our state to legislators and key decision makers. I find myself repeating a simple message: downtown is for everyone. Looking around our city, it’s easy to see that something special is happening. A transformation that began long ago has not only taken root, but it has began to radically reimagine our city. One of the beautiful things about living in Salt Lake City is the thriving underground arts, music and creative communities. To outsiders, there is often the

To underscore my point, just look at the many faces of craft beer, the exceptional talent in the restaurant scene or the world class cocktail bars with their fiercely competitive bartenders. I get so much joy from challenging the assumptions of visitors when I roll out the red carpet for them and expose each to a city that has so much to offer. It’s easy and fun to let people in on “my little secret.” With our growing population, Salt Lake City is hungry for new ideas. The opportunities for success as an entrepreneur are so abundant that it’s almost dizzying to think about. Concepts that have already been tested in other markets have a community that is ready and eager to support here locally. There is a hunger for restaurants and cafes, a thirst for bars and craft brewers and a growing community of diverse people who are anxious for new culture, creativity and life. What comes next? You decide. I

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