A new $208 million, four-story building is under construction on Capitol Hill in Utah, set to be shared by a new museum and the Utah Legislature. The building will showcase Utah’s art and historic artifacts and provide a public gateway to the State Capitol. The structure is not just an office building, but a treasure meant for public viewing and historical preservation. The project, originally priced at $168 million, saw an increase due to construction inflation but is seen as a worthwhile investment. The push to replace the aging State Office Building, known as the “S.O.B.,” came in 2019 following years of indecision due to financial constraints. The new building will feature a museum, conference center, underground parking, and more office space. The state’s art and artifacts collection will now have a suitable home, and the project was funded with state dollars freed up by federal COVID-19 relief funds. While some residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic due to the museum, the project aims to enhance public engagement with state laws and history. The new building represents a shift towards a more public-facing Capitol Hill, with room for additional legislative staff to support a part-time Legislature. Discussions continue on how to allocate space in the new building among the legislative and executive branches.
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