IM Interior/Tenant Improvement Best Project: Utah Cultural Celebration Center

Utah Cultural Celebration Center Tenant Improvement
Sandy, Utah
Best Project

Owner: West Valley City
Lead Design Firm: EDA Architects
General Contractor: Layton Construction Co.
Civil Engineer: Psomas
Structural Engineer: Reaveley Engineers & Associates
MEP Engineer: Colvin Engineering Associates Inc.
Electrical Engineer: Envision Engineering
Subcontractors: A-J Sheet Metal Inc.; Alternative Acoustics & Drywall; B&V Specialties LLC; Jordan Enterprises; NGI Glass Corp.; Ridge Rock Inc.; Robert W. Speirs Plumbing Inc.; Sturgeon Electric Co. Inc.; Technology Providers Inc.; Restaurant and Store Equipment Co.

The 39,643 sq ft of new event and convention space at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center can hold up to 1,200 people. The project converted an unfinished plaza into high-end conference rooms and other attractive public spaces. The design includes exposed ceilings, wood-plank accents, a floating staircase and a new elevator shaft. In addition to a glass-walled executive conference room, the meeting rooms feature high ceilings and multiple partitions to break the space into different sizes.

A centrally controlled audiovisual system includes a touch-screen panel for each room, which makes it easy for people renting the spaces to offer high-tech presentations. LED lighting ensures energy conservation, and a sophisticated catering kitchen allows multiple caterers to use it at the same time for different functions.

A principal challenge during construction was coordinating the piping and ductwork so the ceilings could be as high as possible. Working closely with subcontractors, the project team placed components so that all ceilings could be between 8.5 ft and 11.5 ft tall. Another difficulty was working in a building that was partially occupied. In addition to the usual concerns about dust and noise, the addition of the elevator shaft created potential safety problems. The shaft required more steel, a new concrete pit and a fire-rated enclosure, and all work had to be done while the main floor remained operational.

West Valley City officials, the police department and occasional groups used the space upstairs, so the project team completed work downstairs and kept the public away from a gaping hole where crews were building the elevator shaft and floating stairs, which help connect the plaza level and the upper floor aesthetically as well as physically.

Originally constructed in 2003, the UCCC was designed to highlight the cultural diversity of West Valley City and bring the community closer together. The elegant new space helps the center fulfill its mission: a place to share ideas; inspire, nurture and learn from one another; and enjoy arts, culture, concerts and the performing arts—all under one roof.

The addition was completed on time and within budget.