Explore Utah's New North Capitol Building: A Blend of History and Innovation
SALT LAKE CITY — Step into Utah's newest North Capitol building, a stunning fusion of modern design and historical elements. Upon entering, you'll encounter a large LED screen in the atrium, but the interior design draws inspiration from the iconic Utah Capitol and the surrounding complex. Mike Despain, project director at Okland Construction, reveals that even the marble used throughout the building pays homage to the older structures on campus.
The building's construction began in 2022 with the demolition of the old state office building, which didn't meet seismic standards. However, the project's scope expanded significantly, growing from an initial budget of $165 million to a staggering $320 million. This expansion was driven by the state's desire to create a space that went beyond mere parking and offices. Andy Marr, director of the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management, explains that the project evolved to accommodate the Utah Historical Society's need for a new storage facility for its invaluable artifacts, previously housed in the Rio Grande Depot's basement.
The North Capitol building now features a museum, education spaces, and a state-of-the-art base isolation system designed to protect the structure and its contents from major earthquakes. This system, comprising 89 base isolators, essentially suspends the building above the ground, reducing seismic accelerations by 80%. Only a handful of buildings in the state, including the Utah Capitol, have this advanced technology, making the North Capitol building truly unique.
The building's public spaces include an underground parking garage, a conference room for over 700 people, and new seating areas overlooking the Utah Capitol. The laylight at the building's peak showcases natural elements and images representing all 29 counties in the state. With a focus on sustainability and longevity, the North Capitol building is set to become a landmark in Utah, showcasing its history and innovation for generations to come.
While the museum won't be open to visitors next week, a museum store is set to open in a few weeks, offering Utah-themed art, retail items, and local food. State historians have been busy building mounts for the hundreds of artifacts that will be displayed when the museum opens in late June, based on public feedback from across the state. The collection will include a replica of the iconic golden spike, Michael J. Fox's cowboy outfit from 'Back to the Future III,' and the Mormon Meteor III hot rod, acquired by the state last year.
The North Capitol building represents a significant investment in Utah's history and infrastructure, blending the past and the future in a way that will leave a lasting impact on the state's landscape.
