Historic Salt Lake City Union Pacific Railroad Station transformed into luxury hotel

Asher Adams, a reimagining of the historic Salt Lake City Union Pacific Railroad Station into a modern luxury hotel, opened in early November. With 225 guestrooms, marrying history with contemporary elegance, the facility links the city’s downtown core with the entertainment district and offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains.

The original 48,500 sf Union Pacific Depot, built in 1908, was meticulously preserved, honoring the station’s historical significance while introducing a new eight-story guestroom tower that complements the existing structure.

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 are 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.

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.

The landscape architecture further enhances the hotel’s connection to its surroundings, creating a seamless integration with the public plaza and The Gateway. 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 distinctive experience.

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.

On the project team:
Owner and/or developer: Athens Development
Design architect: HKS
Interior Design: JNS
Architect of record: HKS
MEP engineer: Blum Engineers 
Structural engineer: Reaveley Engineers 
General contractor/construction manager: Okland Construction Company
Landscape Design: MGB+A Studio