Ballet West to build dance center

Jessie Eccles Quinney Center for Dance

On 25 October 2010, Ballet West announced plans to build the Jessie Eccles Quinney Center for Dance, in partnership with the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts.  Designed by HKS Architects Inc., the $32 million facility will be connected to the Capitol Theatre and will include six studios, and meeting and banquet space.

Five years ago, Ballet West looked at relocating its performance and rehearsal facilities to Sugar House, but the Salt Lake Chamber asked the dance company to remain downtown.  Salt Lake County purchased the lot west of the Capitol theater from Salt Lake City’s Woodbury Corp. in 2008 for $3.2 million as part of a new planning process for cultural facilities.   The building housing the Absolute restaurant was demolished.  The county’s purchase also included buildings currently housing the Blue Iguana and Benihana restaurants.

Ballet West has raised $11 million for construction of the center and launched a capital campaign to raise an additional $6 million.  Major funding will be provided by S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles and Emma Eccles Jones foundations.  Salt Lake County is expected to raise the remaining costs through $7 million in “new market” tax credits, plus possible taxpayer support in its 2012 budget.

Utah Theatre

Salt Lake City's Redevelopment Agency purchased the Utah theater for $5.5 million in January 2010 for a planned film and digital arts hub.