The Brooks Arcade Building had a long past, but the new structure being built inside the remaining facade is expected to have an interesting future.
Michael B. Witte, chairman and chief executive officer of AlphaGraphics Inc., announced plans for the site Wednesday. Those plans feature parking, retail, offices and nine rooftop condominiums comprising The Gardens at Brooks Arcade.
AlphaGraphics is moving its headquarters from Tucson, Ariz., to the second and third levels of new construction that will comprise 100,000 square feet. Other uses in the building are lower-level parking and main-floor retail and dining establishments.
Topping off the $16 million project will be nine two-story condominiums, luxurious "at a level of some of the top resorts today," Witte said. "We're building something that Salt Lake just doesn't have today."
Those penthouse condos will have views of the mountains and rooftop gardens that will overlook Gallivan Plaza. The garden area also will feature an outdoor kitchen/barbecue, spa and dressing cabana.
Construction at what Witte called "the last great corner in Salt Lake" has included the demolition of the Brooks Arcade Building, which occupied about 25,000 square feet at the northwest corner of State Street and 300 South. The three-story facade is being held in place with erector set-type reinforcement.
The Brooks Arcade Building was built in 1891, and the facade features Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, a style popular for commercial buildings at the time.
Big-D Construction will have the facade restoration complete and the new building ready for occupancy by Dec. 1, Witte said. The project's construction is being aided by a low-interest loan from the city.
"We believe strongly in downtown," Witte said. "We believe it's important to have a strong downtown, a place where people not only work but where they live."
E-MAIL: bwallace@desnews.com