Broadway Comes A-Knocking as City Sets Up Two Major Theatre Projects

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

It only took two moves for the city to become a haven for the arts. The city council has recently voted to the tune of Broadway notes when it gave an initial “thumbs up” to the Utah Performing Arts Center. The $110 million project is on its way to receiving a tax dollar-provided bonus that will streamline the development process.

Although it is still early to fully commit to the project, the step forward is a positive one for the facility, which would occupy the lot that spans from 100 South to 200 South between Main Street and State Street, The Salt Lake City Tribune reports. There’s also a second act to this love letter to Broadway: The Utah Theatre may be the subject of a renovation.
One of Salt Lake City’s councilmen has proposed legislation that would direct another chunk of taxpayer money to the defunct entertainment hall. Councilman Luke Garrott has found a number of supporters for the idea. New uses being considered for the aging building include a film center.

The old Utah Theatre is just over the road from the proposed site of the Utah Performing Arts Center. The Broadway-style playhouse and the potential renovation of the now-decrepit theater looks set to whip the theater scene into shape and start what may be considered a cultural revolution.