Anderson Engineering

801-972-6222

The Conference Center, Expert Civil Engineering and Land Surveying in Salt Lake City, UT.

The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a landmark 1.4-million-square-foot facility featuring a 21,000-seat auditorium and a rooftop park. Anderson Engineering provided critical services, including structural verification, civil design, and material quality control. These efforts ensured precise construction alignment, durable materials, and efficient heating systems, delivering a project that met both functional and aesthetic goals.

Services Provided

Land Surveying

Structural

Civil Engineering

Client

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Anderson Engineering’s expertise ensured the LDS Conference Center met the highest standards of design, durability, and functionality in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Challenge

The LDS Conference Center project faced challenges in ensuring structural alignment, material quality, and functional heating system designs for its large-scale construction.

Learn More
Solution

Anderson Engineering delivered precise structural verification, granite quality control, and efficient civil designs, ensuring the LDS Conference Center met its ambitious construction goals.

Learn More
Benefits

Anderson Engineering's efforts in land surveying, civil engineering, and construction management helped to deliver a smooth construction process, delivering a structurally sound, visually striking, and highly functional LDS Conference Center.

Learn More

Common Questions. Expert Answers.

Quick Answers

What role did Anderson Engineering play in the construction of the LDS Conference Center?
Anderson Engineering served as one of the Owner’s Representative, providing key services that ensured the successful completion of this monumental project. The firm established a precise control network for construction layout, conducted structural verification to ensure safety and compliance with design standards, and surveyed the Little Cottonwood Canyon Quarry to guide the sourcing of granite. These efforts were critical in maintaining alignment, material consistency, and operational efficiency across the 1.4 million-square-foot facility.
How was structural accuracy maintained during construction?
Anderson Engineering implemented an advanced control network to guide the construction process. This included detailed site surveying to establish benchmarks, continuous monitoring to adjust for discrepancies, and collaboration with contractors to verify that all critical structural elements adhered to design specifications. These measures prevented costly delays and ensured the long-term stability and safety of the facility, including its 21,000-seat auditorium and expansive rooftop park.
What role did surveying play at the granite quarry?
Precise surveys at the Little Cottonwood Canyon Quarry ensured the granite met quality and consistency standards. This work facilitated smooth operations and timely delivery of materials for the Conference Center.

Discover the Full Scope of the Project

Gain insight into the decisions, challenges, and creative solutions that brought this project to life.

Civil Engineering in Salt Lake City for the LDS Conference Center

Challenge

The construction of the LDS Conference Center presented significant challenges due to its scale and complexity. The 21,000-seat auditorium, expansive rooftop park, and unique design required precise structural alignment to ensure safety and functionality. The use of granite from the Little Cottonwood Canyon Quarry necessitated rigorous quality control to maintain aesthetic and structural integrity. Additionally, the central heating plant design had to support the entire church campus, making operational efficiency a critical requirement.

Ensuring structural alignment for complex designs.

Maintaining high-quality materials for durability and aesthetics.

Designing an efficient central heating plant for campus-wide functionality.

Solution

Anderson Engineering played a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of the LDS Conference Center project. By establishing a detailed control network, the team ensured precise structural alignment for the auditorium, rooftop park, and other complex features. Rigorous quality assurance at the Little Cottonwood Granite Quarry maintained consistent material standards, crucial for the building’s durability and visual appeal. Additionally, Anderson Engineering designed a state-of-the-art central heating plant to efficiently serve the church campus.

Implemented precise structural verification for complex construction.

Designed an efficient central heating plant to meet campus-wide needs.

Provide land surveying and construction control for the granite quarry.

Benefits and Impacts

The LDS Conference Center project benefited greatly from Anderson Engineering’s expertise and proactive approach. By addressing structural, material, and design challenges, the firm helped to delivered a facility that meets the highest standards of safety, functionality, and aesthetics, showcasing our diverse range of expertise. The project’s successful completion reinforced the center’s role as a landmark gathering space in Salt Lake City while ensuring long-term operational efficiency and durability.

Enhanced Structural Integrity: Precise verification ensured safety and long-term stability.

Efficient Functionality: A well-designed heating plant supports the entire church campus, ensuring reliable operations.

Optimized Infrastructure: Delivering a central heating plant that supports the center’s operational needs.

Ready to Turn Your Vision into Reality? Let's Talk

Schedule Now
Learn More

In-Depth Project Narrative

The Conference Center, Expert Civil Engineering and Land Surveying in Salt Lake City, UT..

Table of Contents

Transforming Vision into Reality at the LDS Conference Center

The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, completed in 2000, is a monumental architectural achievement. Spanning approximately 1.4 million square feet, it occupies most of a 10-acre block and features a 21,000-seat auditorium—one of the largest indoor assembly halls globally. This landmark facility also includes a 900-seat theater, an underground parking structure for 1,400 vehicles, and a four-acre rooftop park adorned with native Utah flora. Anderson Engineering played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life by serving as the Owner’s Representative and providing critical engineering services that ensured the successful completion of this iconic structure.

Challenges in Civil Engineering for a Landmark Site

Complex Engineering Needs in Salt Lake City

The development of the LDS Conference Center presented significant challenges, requiring innovative engineering solutions and meticulous project oversight. Key issues included:

  • Construction Layout: Establishing a precise control network for the steel contractor to ensure accurate alignment of structural components.
  • Structural Verification: Assessing and verifying critical structural elements to maintain adherence to rigorous design specifications and safety standards.
  • Infrastructure Design: Developing civil engineering plans for the central heating plant to serve both the Conference Center and the surrounding campus buildings.
  • Granite Quarry Surveying: Conducting detailed surveys at the Little Cottonwood Canyon Quarry to guide material sourcing efforts.

Survey and Structural Design Solutions

Engineering Services for a Complex Project

Anderson Engineering’s approach focused on providing tailored solutions for the Conference Center’s unique needs. Services included:

  1. Site Engineering and Structural Verification: Establishing a robust control network to ensure accurate construction layout.
    • Survey Services: Conducting detailed surveys to align the site’s design with the client’s vision.
    • Construction Management: Overseeing on-site operations to maintain quality and compliance.
  2. Granite Quarry Surveying: Providing precise surveying services to support granite sourcing efforts at the Little Cottonwood Canyon Quarry.
    • Survey Control: Establishing survey benchmarks to guide quarry operations.
    • Data Accuracy: Delivering precise measurements to ensure material consistency and alignment with project needs.
  3. Infrastructure Design and Implementation:
    • Central Heating Plant Design: Creating a system to efficiently serve the site and adjacent buildings.
    • Grading and Water Resources: Addressing site-specific requirements to optimize land use and water management.

Results in Civil Engineering Excellence

Delivering Infrastructure and Design Success in Utah

Anderson Engineering delivered a project that exceeded expectations:

  • Enhanced Structural Integrity: Ensuring long-term stability and safety.
  • Accurate Surveying Data: Supporting granite sourcing with reliable, precise measurements.
  • Optimized Infrastructure: Delivering a central heating plant that supports the center’s operational needs.

Long-Term Impacts

The LDS Conference Center stands as a testament to engineering innovation and excellence. Anderson Engineering’s involvement ensured the project’s timely and successful completion, creating a landmark that serves as a gathering place for millions.

Partner with Anderson Engineering for Landmark Solutions

Anderson Engineering delivers expertise in surveying, structural verification, civil design, and surveying control. Our comprehensive services ensure the success of your most ambitious projects. Contact us today to learn how we can support your vision with innovative engineering solutions. Schedule a free consultation and work with Utah’s trusted engineering firm to bring your ideas to life.

Additional Resources

  1. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Conference Center”
    An overview by ZGF Architects LLP, detailing architectural and environmental aspects of the Conference Center’s design and construction.
    https://www.zgf.com/work/1172-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-conference-center
  2. “LDS Conference Center”
    A comprehensive article from Wikipedia offering detailed information on the planning, construction, and features of the Conference Center.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LDS_Conference_Center
  3. “The Tabernacle and the Conference Center”
    This resource from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides historical context and insights into the construction and significance of the Conference Center.
    https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/training/general-conference/general-conference-research-guide/the-tabernacle-and-the-conference-center
  4. “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Conference Center”
    An article on Greenroofs.com focusing on the Conference Center’s rooftop garden and its role as a model for green roof design.
    https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-lds-conference-center/
  5. “LDS Conference Center Uses ESCS To Solve Unique Design and Construction Challenges”
    This article discusses the innovative use of Expanded Shale, Clay, and Slate (ESCS) lightweight concrete in the construction of the Conference Center, highlighting solutions to design challenges.
    https://www.escsi.org/e-newsletter/lds-conference-center/

Picture of Brandon Anderson

Brandon Anderson

Principal and Licensed General Contractor delivering innovative, client-focused solutions for complex projects across Utah and beyond.
All Posts

Comprehensive Engineering Solutions

Full List of Services Provided For This Project

Civil Engineering
Infrastructure Design
Permitting and Regulatory Control
Land Surveying and Mapping
Construction Staking
Utility Surveys

Disclaimer: This summary includes AI-generated content and project-specific details that may not apply to your project. For personalized advice, contact Anderson Engineering—we’re here to help!