Civic Center
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Project Description
As the heart of Salt Lake City’s downtown public space, Library Square and Washington Square have hosted countless festivals, concerts, and community gatherings over the years. But the plaza is starting to show its age—it needs repair, more shade, and better amenities to support daily use.
City planners are using this opportunity to explore how the space can be reimagined to keep hosting the events we love while making it more accessible, comfortable, and welcoming throughout the year. This project aims to transform the site into a shaded, people-first destination—Salt Lake City’s Civic Center for the next generation.
What we heard from the community:
- More green space
- The space is too hot
- There needs to be more kid-friendly amenities
- Improve public safety
- Activate with regular events
- Better bicycle and pedestrian accessibility
Project Timeline
Phase 1
Background Information
Phase 2
Join the Conversation
Phase 3
Review & Report
Phase 4
Vision Study
FAQ:
Q: What is a civic center?
A civic center is a public space or facility, typically located near the center of a city, designed for hosting a variety of civic, cultural, governmental, recreational, and social activities. Civic centers usually include multiple buildings or spaces that serve as gathering points for residents.
Q: What are the common features of a civic center?
Civic centers often include a mix of public buildings and spaces designed for both daily use and large events, such as:
- Government buildings – City halls, courthouses, or administrative offices
- Cultural facilities – Museums, art galleries, libraries, or theaters
- Public spaces – Plazas, parks, open lawns, or outdoor gathering areas
- Community venues – Recreation centers, meeting rooms, or event spaces
- Supportive infrastructure – Parking facilities, public transportation access, and amenities like cafes or shops
The primary purpose of a civic center is to provide a central location for civic engagement, public life, and community identity.
Q: I love events at Library Square. Why change them?
By implementing these improvements, Library and Washington Squares will actually become better equipped for large events and daily use. The goal is not to replace events—it’s to make the space more flexible, comfortable, and functional for everyone.
Right now, the plaza can be hot and difficult to program due to its layout. Event organizers have told us the east side of Library Square is underused, while the shady lawn at Washington Square is often overused and worn down. The vision study aims to better balance how both spaces are used—so that large events can thrive, and the civic center also works better for everyday use.
Current large event producers are being directly engaged to help shape the design.
Image Gallery
