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380 W 400 N, SLC
An upward expansion for a local law firm anchored by a central steel staircase suspended from the ceiling.
The Adams Davis tenant improvement was an opportunity to uncover the character of a historic Salt Lake City building and reimagine it as a space that feels timeless and functional. When the project began, much of the original architecture had been hidden behind finishes from previous renovations, leaving the office feeling generic and disconnected from its past. By stripping those layers away, we were able to reveal exposed brick, steel structure, and other original elements that immediately restored warmth and authenticity to the space.
As the building was opened up, small discoveries helped shape the story of the project. Finding manufacturer stamps on the steel columns, original brick walls, and historic structural elements drove our design process. Rather than hiding them, we chose to preserve these marks as subtle reminders of the building’s history and craftsmanship, adding character that could not be recreated.
The firm’s expansion to the upper level introduced the central design challenge of the project: creating a strong and seamless connection between floors. The staircase became both the solution and the centerpiece of the space.
Designed as a statement element, it is suspended from the ceiling with new structural beams supporting its steel frame and wood treads. Suspending the stair allowed the lobby below to remain open and inviting, an important area where clients and visitors first experience the office. The result is a stair that feels sculptural and light while still expressing strength and permanence.
The breakroom, offices, and hallways each offer their own moments of craft. Warm wood millwork defines the suite, each element made for the specific room. This project celebrates the dialogue between old and new. By revealing the building’s original materials and pairing them with thoughtful modern interventions, the Adams Davis office supports the firm’s upward growth while honoring the building’s rich history.
Project Number: 2223
Project Title: Adams Davis Expansion
Project Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Project Size/Area: 9,700 SF
Project Type: Tenant Improvement/Expansion
Project Status: Built
Project Duration: 1 year
Completion Year: 2023
Client: Adams Davis Legal
Design: Modern Out West
Construction: New Concepts Construction
Electrical: Rocky Mountain Consulting Engineers
Mechanical: WHW Engineering
Structural: MJ Structural