The city took a major step toward its long-envisioned downtown transformation June 11 with the grand opening of One Burton, a high-end, mixed-use development located at the southwest corner of Burton Avenue and Main Street.

The 287,468-square-foot eight-story One Burton building is now offering rental housing to singles and families in this previously underutilized area of the city. Construction of the project took 30 months.

“This is first of many projects that will transform our community, and so we're grateful for the energy, the time, the commitment to using local businesses as they were working on their project,” South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood said at the ribbon cutting.

For several years city leaders have been envisioning a downtown for South Salt Lake City and One Burton is the first step in that dream, she said. 

“Thank you so much for caring, thank you so much for showing up and listening to who we are as a community, embracing that and building off of that,” she told the development team. “Thank you for being here today and supporting our little but very big city and thank you for investing in our city's future.”

Members of the project team who spoke echoed Wood’s optimism.

“Today isn't just a ribbon cutting,” said Abstract Development Group partner Jason Algaze. “It's a moment to reflect on what happens when creativity, collaboration and community all come together to create something, hopefully, that is truly lasting.”

“We wanted to create, obviously, a great place to live, to build a space that truly, honestly represents the heart and soul of South Salt Lake,” another partner Daniel Rudofsky added. “We also wanted to bring something new and fresh, just to actually showcase and bring attention to the area. We saw an opportunity at this corner, a place that, honestly, it just felt underappreciated, but just blossomed with potential.” 

At the event South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce President Rick Taggart, who grew up in the city, gave a brief history of the community from its 1938 incorporation with a population of just 500 to the growing community of more than 26,000 today.  

“The growth of South Salt Lake is impressive, and One Burton you are now a part of it,” he concluded. “It's my pleasure on behalf of the South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and our member businesses we welcome you to our city on the move.”

One Burton is offering 180 units ranging from 600-square-foot studios to 1,200-square-foot two- bedroom penthouses. Amenities include Mid-Century Modern décor throughout, three levels of secure parking, a rooftop outdoor dining and gathering space, art gallery room, hot tub, game room, fitness room and a mezzanine level co-working space, along with conference rooms.

A north-facing grand entrance welcomes visitors, and three ground-level retail spaces are incorporated into the design. One space has already been leased to a hair salon, while the largest—intended for a food and beverage tenant—remains available.

To mirror the artwork in the area and in a commitment to the community, Abstract Development Group installed murals featuring seven butterflies by French artist Mantra on the building’s west side. It also constructed its building configuration around the existing YESCO billboard which faces I-80. 

Arch Nexus was the architectural firm for One Burton, which was constructed by Jacobsen Construction.

To celebrate the occasion, Abstract Development Group donated $2,000 to the South Salt Lake Arts Council.

“I personally think this is like the creative zone of Salt Lake—or definitely will be,” Algaze said. “So we wanted to make sure we did something nice and fun, gave some funding for some kids’ after-school programs, supplies for art school.”

Neighborhoods Department Director Sharen Hauri accepted the donation on behalf of the arts council.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed. λ