City tweaks Gallivan Center plans

Thousands of music fans will gather at the Gallivan Center this summer to see Sonic Youth, M. Ward, The Black Keys and other national acts.

Trouble is, most of them won't actually be able to see the stage.

Salt Lake City hopes to remedy that situation for the 2011 lineup.

The city is in the process of designing a $5.8 million makeover for the popular downtown plaza. Plans call for more than doubling the size of the amphitheater, providing enough space for 4,000 people to ring the stage.

Of course, not everyone will fit into the grassy area -- 10,000 often crowd the park during the Thursday night Twilight Concert Series -- but the design aims to improve sight lines throughout Gallivan.

On Tuesday, the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency Board, made up of all the City Council members, will weigh three designs for the renovation. The plans are the product of more than a year of brainstorming, including two public workshops.

The overhaul includes expanding the diminutive amphitheater, moving the ice rink and replacing the ice-skate-rental building with a larger one that would include restrooms and reception space.

Salt Lake City-based EDA Architects expanded the number of design options after many residents voiced concerns about placing a two-story building along 200 South. A new blueprint puts the building behind the stage.  Original Article