The Future Of Gallivan Center – 20 Year Plaza Plan

Revitalizing Salt Lake City’s Gallivan Center: A 20-Year Plan

The Gallivan Center has long been a cornerstone of downtown Salt Lake City’s cultural and entertainment scene. With its amphitheater, public plaza, banquet and meeting center, ice rink, and striking art installations, it serves as a vital gathering place for events and everyday moments alike.

However, as downtown experiences a surge in residential development, the Gallivan Center needed a fresh strategy to meet the needs of its evolving community. The challenge? Ensuring the plaza remains welcoming, equitable, environmentally sustainable, and fiscally conscious in a rapidly changing urban landscape.

Drawing on deep expertise and research into similar downtown plazas, Phil Myrick developed a set of recommendations designed to position the Gallivan Center as a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors:

• Redesigning the space to be more inviting and versatile for activities and events.
• Boosting daily usage by creating opportunities for spontaneous visits and regular engagement.
• Reimagining programming to reflect the needs and interests of the growing downtown population.
• Exploring new management and governance models to improve efficiency and adaptability.
• Identifying innovative business opportunities to generate sustainable revenue.

The Gallivan Center’s future is bright, with a renewed vision to anchor downtown life and strengthen its connection to the community it serves. As Salt Lake City grows, this revitalized plaza will continue to be a symbol of the city’s vibrancy and commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.