Building a Better Relationship with Salt Lake City

The Challenge
As Hines prepared to demolish the Utah Pantages Theater—a prominent but deteriorated landmark in downtown Salt Lake City—they faced potential public backlash and media scrutiny. Maintaining a positive brand presence and fostering trust with city leaders and residents was essential to moving the project forward without delays or reputational damage.
The Solution
We led a proactive public relations campaign to establish Hines’ narrative and build community support. This included targeted outreach to commercial construction reporters, the development of a detailed communications plan, and engagement with key stakeholders to address concerns. We also prepared for and mitigated potential disruptions from construction-related interference.
The Results
Our strategy secured prominent coverage in Utah’s major daily and industry publications. Additionally, over 50 organic public-facing posts and emails expressing support for the project were generated by local citizens, organizations, and professionals. This outpouring of support helped ensure a smooth project launch and strengthened Hines’ relationship with Salt Lake City officials and the broader community.