SALT LAKE CITY—The Smith Entertainment Group hopes to buy part of the Salt Palace Convention Center’s property, with the goal of  building its downtown district. Salt Lake County Council members will consider the proposal on Tuesday.

The area under consideration is just east of the Delta Center.

It currently houses a large exhibit hall, a smaller hall and a parking garage. All told, it includes about 6.5 acres or 20% of the capacity of the convention center. The sale would include the land beneath those parcels.

SEG is eyeing the space as it builds its sports, entertainment, culture and convention district, connecting the Delta Center with the Salt Palace, Abravanel Hall, Temple Square and City Creek. 

Salt Palace sale could bring in millions

The land currently collects no property tax, but if sold, it could bring in almost $5 million in yearly property tax revenue.

And, proceeds from the sale would help offset the estimated $1.28 billion price of remodeling the Salt Palace.

“We’ve been putting money into it for various things that have needed attention over the years. And we knew we were kind of at a critical point where we really had to find funds,” Salt Lake County Council Chair Dea Theodore said.

Theodore said she can’t speak for everyone, but the general sentiment supports some downtown revitalization.

“We do want to see if there’s an opportunity for our Salt Palace. There’s just opportunities for downtown in general. And it’s been a while since things have been revitalized down there, so this is just a forward-thinking way to move forward … I think it’s really strategic and smart.”

The Salt Lake County Council will hear public comment Tuesday afternoon before taking up the proposal.