Multi-family housing at One Burton breaks ground, ushering in new district in downtown South Salt Lake

SOUTH SALT LAKE CITY, UT—Construction work is officially underway at One Burton, a major residential and retail development that will anchor the transformation of South Salt Lake’s downtown.

Speaking at a groundbreaking celebration Tuesday, Mayor Cheri Wood described One Burton as the key first piece of a much-anticipated re-development area planned for the city center’s revitalization, known as the Downtown East Streetcar District. The district is expected to attract more than a dozen major housing, office, hospitality, retail and dining developments comprising of several million square feet in the coming years, with One Burton leading the way as the first such project.

“South Salt Lake welcomes this new addition to our downtown,” Mayor Wood said. “One Burton will add to the character of Main Street with vibrant, high-quality designed housing and streetscape. This project will contribute to the walkability of downtown and is well-connected with an array of transit options."

Tuesday’s celebration included a ceremonial shovel turn, speeches from community officials and project leaders, a catered lunch and a slideshow showcasing artistic renderings of the new development.

“The Downtown East Streetcar District is going to bring a lot of exciting people-centered growth to downtown South Salt Lake in the coming years and One Burton is a foundational part of putting that growth into motion,” said South Salt Lake Councilmember LeAnne Huff, whose council district encompasses the new development.

Jason Algaze, a principal of real estate development firm Abstract Development Group LLC, said “One Burton holds a great deal of importance as the first of many notable projects the company expects to complete in Utah in the coming years. We are excited bringing this innovative design, incorporating thoughtfully designed residences, lifestyle amenities, walkability and public transit access to this premier setting in the newly emerging Downtown East Streetcar District. We take pride in seeing our project begin to take shape and become the cornerstone for what will surely become the area’s most vibrant neighborhood.”

When completed in 2024, One Burton will be an eight-story, mixed-use building that holds 180 residences and about 7,000 square feet of retail space at Main Street and Burton Avenue (2360 South). Two-story retail spaces along both streets will provide easily accessible neighborhood destination stores that draw in the wider community and activate the streetscape, providing for a truly safe and walkable experience.

“South Salt Lake’s vision to develop this area into a vibrant, livable community will take a big step forward with this project. The site itself is intriguing, sitting near the elbow of I-15 and I-80 in a highly visible location and thus a prime spot for the existing digital billboard on site,” said Architectural Nexus designer Charles Bagley. “We decided to play up the idea of this invisible force of the billboard rippling through the building, bending and folding the facades. We also made a big effort to create a building that feels contemporary but also hearkens to mid-century modern design.”

The project calls for 50 two-bedroom units, 103 one-bedroom units and 27 studio units. Amenities will include spa and fitness facilities, a high-end art gallery, a game room, rooftop courtyards, conference rooms, co-working areas, video-conferencing offices, common dining and barbecue areas, and a rooftop dining room complete with chef’s kitchen that can be booked by residents for special events. This comprehensive and modern live/work/play environment will make One Burton a sought-after destination for residents interested in a community-oriented lifestyle.

“One Burton will set the gold standard for the people-centered growth that South Salt Lake residents will come to expect,” said Jon Moody, the Jacobsen Construction project executive overseeing the work. “These residences will form the type of active, interconnected neighborhood that gives new life to a whole community.”

Located near TRAX access, One Burton will attract residents looking to use public transit on a regular basis. As a pedestrian-focused campus, it will add to the walkability of downtown South Salt Lake as well.

“South Salt Lake City is well positioned, both literally and figuratively, to drive growth in the Wasatch Front,” said Daniel Rudofsky, principal at Abstract Development Group LLC. “We want to thank Mayor Wood, Councilmember Huff, and all the elected officials and staff of South Salt Lake for allowing us to be a partner in the development of the newly emerging Downtown East Streetcar District.”