Ground broken on what will become Utah’s tallest building

The 685,000 square foot building will replace a now vacant Carl's Jr. restaurant. Photo: Kensington Investment Company

SALT LAKE CITY — On Wednesday, ground was broken on the 40-story Astra Tower in Salt Lake City.

The 372-unit residential building at the corner of 200 South and State St. is planned to be the tallest building in Utah at 450 feet, surpassing the Wells Fargo Center.

The project, which includes retail space and a parking garage, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, according to KSL’s Carter Williams.

“Kensington Tower will set the stage for a live/work/play concept and will rival other major metropolitan areas across the country, helping Salt Lake City recruit new professional talent and attract top companies to Utah,” designers wrote to the Salt Lake City Planning Commission in 2019.

“Eighth-floor amenities include a terrace, gourmet kitchen, lounge featuring TVs and games, fireplace, outdoor deck with seating and grills, an urban park, and state-of-the-art fitness center and fitness studio,” the project’s developers, Kensington Investment Company (KIC), wrote in a press release.

“The 22nd floor has the pool terrace with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and a spa with saunas, a plunge pool, and treatment rooms. The 40th floor is a residents-only rooftop terrace with big-screen TV, grill, and ample socialization areas for groups of all sizes.

“Consistent with KIC’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Kensington Tower is designed with high-end mechanical and HVAC systems, as well as energy-efficient windows and appliances to meet LEED Gold certification standards.”