Utah’s Tallest Building, Astra Tower, Reaches Completion in Salt Lake City
Construction crews have successfully completed the Astra Tower, Utah’s new tallest building, in downtown Salt Lake City. The luxury high-rise stands at an impressive 41 floors and has dramatically reshaped the city’s urban skyline.
The Astra Tower has been steadily rising since early 2023 when the first above-grade concrete was poured. With an average of one level completed every seven days, the tower now stands over 450 feet tall, symbolizing the city’s growth and vitality.
To commemorate this significant milestone, approximately 600 people, mostly construction workers, gathered to sign their names on the final steel beam before it was placed on the 41st floor. The event featured speeches from Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and project leaders. Followed by a joyous jobsite-wide barbecue to celebrate the achievements of all the construction teams involved.
According to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, the Astra Tower will be a bustling hub of activity in downtown Salt Lake City, providing its residents with access to everything the city has to offer. As the tallest building ever constructed in Utah, it serves as a beacon of hope for the city’s future.
Now that the structural steel work is complete, the focus of the project will shift towards utilities systems and interior and exterior finishes. By the fall of 2024, when the Astra Tower is fully completed, it will offer 377 luxury apartments at its location on 89 E. 200 South.
Ed Lewis, CEO of Kensington Investment Company, the developer behind the Astra Tower project, believes that Salt Lake City is becoming a global city, with the tower leading the way. Lewis highlighted the city’s pro-business climate and how it attracts talent from around the world, generating demand for top-tier luxury residences downtown. The Astra Tower represents Salt Lake City’s evolution into a cultural melting pot and signifies the city’s ascent to new heights.
Utah-based construction teams have played a crucial role in the project, showcasing their growing capacity for complex high-rise work. Despite logistical complexities associated with a tight downtown footprint, the local workforce has guided the Astra Tower to rise rapidly from the ground level.
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson emphasized that the Astra Tower is not just a construction project but a testament to the commitment of Jacobsen Construction, Kensington Investment Company, and Salt Lake County in driving economic growth and designing forward-looking communities that enrich the local culture.
The Astra Tower’s luxury apartments will include various floorplans, from studios to three-bedroom units, along with two levels of exclusive penthouse units. Amenities at the tower will be extensive, featuring an outdoor urban park, a clubhouse with a chef’s kitchen, a work lounge with conference rooms, a full-service fitness center, an outdoor pool and terrace, a spa and wellness center, and a large rooftop terrace on the 41st floor.
Emir Tursic, HKS Principal and Architect, believes that the Astra Tower is set to revolutionize urban living in Salt Lake City. Its residents will enjoy unparalleled amenities while being within walking distance of the city’s best experiences.
In addition to focusing on luxury and comfort, the Astra Tower project team is committed to sustainability. They are seeking LEED Gold certification by following strict sustainability standards that address pressing environmental issues like air quality and water conservation specific to northern Utah.
The Astra Tower project is a testament to Utah’s booming construction industry. With an average of 365 builders on-site every day in 2023, the tower’s construction has showcased the state’s capability to complete complex high-rise projects efficiently.
Founded in 1983, Kensington Investment Company, Inc. is the family office of the Lewis Family, primarily investing in real estate and alternative investment vehicles such as private equity and venture capital funds.
Jacobsen Construction Company, founded in 1922, has consistently been recognized as one of the country’s top contractors and a leader in green construction practices.
HKS, a global firm of architects, designers, planners, and advisors, strives to create aesthetically pleasing and high-performing spaces.
The completion of the Astra Tower is a significant milestone for Salt Lake City, solidifying its growth as a global city and providing its residents with an unmatched luxury living experience.
