Same Hotel, New Name — Photo courtesy of Edgar Zuniga Jr.
Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown has been a central Salt Lake City institution for more than three decades. Open since October of 1981, this hotel supplies beds to more than 150,000 guests every year. And though it will keep its 75 South West Temple location, this hotel has just changed its name. As of February 15, 2012, this Marriott is now called “Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek.”
Those looking for a namesake stream flowing by this downtown hotel will not find one; the inspiration behind this recent name change is not a body of water - rather, it is an all-new, 20-acre commercial center surrounding this hotel. Called “City Creek Center,” this pedestrian-friendly area is scheduled to open on March 22nd, and serve the city as a totally new complex of retail, dining, residential, and office space.
The City Creek Center didn't just pop up in a single day. Since 2006, this area of Salt Lake City has been the subject of a serious renovation project. Requiring the demolition of several major buildings, the rerouting of traffic, and the construction of more than 800,000 square feet of retail space, this “Downtown Rising” project has completely transformed the heart of Salt Lake City. The new City Creek Center is expected to attract visitors from across the state. And Marriott hopes that its new, associated name will encourage overnight visitors to stay there.
