As the submitting firm laid out the site, they intentionally oriented both buildings with the ground-floor retail engaging the street, inviting pedestrians to explore the area. The convex structure of the nine-story building designed by the submitting firm responds to the dynamic curve of the neighboring buildings. Envisioning new buildings that would resonate with the architecture of Salt Lake City from the most recent decades, the convex structure responds to the dynamic curve of the neighboring buildings, notably the Salt Lake City Public Library, which features a massive crescent-shaped design, while the glass entry façade of the adjacent public safety building is more serpentine. The deeply recessed glazing at the base adds depth and visual weight, while the dark hues and chiseled forms of the upper floors resonate with the library and the adjacent public safety building. Views focus on the iconic structures of the area, including the state capital.

The smaller five-story building’s L-shaped design, executed by other architects, navigates an existing structure. It includes a ground-floor business incubator space below three floors of co-working and creative office space and micro-units introducing innovative design to maximize living space while offering affordability. Both buildings consist of a clean precast panel relating directly to the color and texture of the library, tying to one another and the established neighborhood.

Residences range from one- to three-bedroom apartments, inherently strengthening the downtown area by adding a mix of people that may include young professionals and families. The mixed-income residential apartment units vary in size from 523 to 1,282 square feet. The inflow of residents means an engaged morning-to-evening environment, an enlivened street and a base of customers to support local dining and retail. Community amenities include a fitness center, pet spa and bark park, clubroom, conference room, courtyard on the podium and a community garden.

Sustainability
Sustainability is a driver of the vision for the new development. Together with targeting Enterprise Green Communities and Energy Star Multifamily High-Rise (MFHR) Certification, the design studio recommended alternative framing and construction types, including Infinity Structures’ light gauge load-bearing stud system that allows for two additional floors of apartments, increasing density. Custom-fabricated three-dimensional glass fiber reinforced concrete panels allow for complex and atypical details.