On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Salt Lake City welcomed a transformative architectural achievement, Asher Adams. With design spearheaded by award-winning global architecture firm HKS, with interiors by JNS, this adaptive reuse project reimagines the historic Union Pacific Railroad Station into a modern luxury hotel with 225 guestrooms. The project sets a new benchmark for design excellence, marrying history with contemporary elegance to reflect the unique cultural narrative of Salt Lake City.
Asher Adams is poised to become a design icon within growing Salt Lake City. The hotel will link the city's downtown core with the entertainment district and offer stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains.
A Legacy Restored and Reinvented
With a reverence for the building’s past, HKS led the transformation of this local landmark with an innovative architectural approach. The original 48,500 square feet of the Union Pacific Depot, originally built in 1908, were meticulously preserved, honoring the station’s historical significance while introducing a new eight-story guestroom tower that seamlessly complements the existing structure.
“We sought to celebrate the iconic Union Pacific Depot while creating a sophisticated, contemporary design that respects the building’s original character,” said Emir Tursic, Principal-in-Charge at HKS. “The new addition’s refined and restrained aesthetic allows the historic station to remain the centerpiece while introducing a modern hospitality experience that is equally timeless and inviting.”
HKS’ extensive expertise in hospitality design is exemplified not only by the Asher Adams project but also by their involvement in notable hospitality ventures around the globe. From the Conrad Orlando and AutoCamp Joshua Tree to the Belmond Cap Juluca, HKS has continually redefined luxury and guest experience through innovative design. Their work on Salt Lake’s newest membership club, Edison House, and on Astra Tower, Salt Lake City’s tallest tower slated for completion in January 2025, further cements HKS’ deep connection to the city’s evolving urban landscape.
Design Details: Historic Meets Contemporary
The design team took cues from the grandeur of early 20th-century train travel, preserving architectural elements such as the depot’s original murals, stained glass, skylights, and arched windows. These elements will be showcased in the Grand Hall, the vibrant heart of the hotel, where restored details blend with modern luxury to create an extraordinary gathering space for visitors and locals alike.
The new guestroom tower, while modern in design, maintains a dialogue with the original depot through deep window recesses, casting dynamic shadows that interact with the surrounding light and landscape. The result is a visually striking balance between past and present, underscored by the symmetrical composition of the façade, inspired by the depot’s Second French Empire style.
“Our concept for Asher Adams represents the industrious, pioneering spirit of Salt Lake City,” adds Nicole Nathan, Partner at JNS Architecture + Interior Design. “One of our key priorities was preserving and reviving the rich history of the Depot and celebrating Utah’s role as the pivotal link in the transcontinental railroad—connecting East to West and laying the foundation for Salt Lake City’s evolving identity as an international hub for business, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage.”
Collaborative Excellence in Architecture and Design
In addition to HKS, the Asher Adams project brings together a stellar team of collaborators, including JNS for interior design, Lang Lighting Studio for lighting design, Nine Dots Arts oversaw the art program, Reaveley Engineers for structural engineering, Blum Engineers for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, and Holmes for seismic updates. Each partner has played a critical role in preserving the building’s structural integrity while bringing it up to modern standards of comfort and safety.
The landscape architecture, designed by MGB+A Studio, further enhances the hotel’s connection to its surroundings, creating a seamless integration with the public plaza and The Gateway.
A New Era for Salt Lake City’s Hospitality Scene
Asher Adams will offer a variety of unique guest experiences, including Rouser, an upscale New American restaurant, No. 119, a swank, whiskey-forward cocktail experience overlooking the Grand Hall, and The Bar at Asher Adams, a lavish cocktail bar evoking the golden age of train travel. The hotel’s 13 signature historic rooms and suites, located in the preserved south wing, feature large windows, high ceilings, and luxurious modern amenities, offering a truly distinctive stay.
The opening of Asher Adams is expected to contribute significantly to the revitalization of Salt Lake City, attracting both locals and visitors with its combination of history, design, and entertainment.