This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If you work or shop at The Gateway and are trying to quit smoking, here's some good news: The shopping center is now smoke-free.
The mall's new owners, Phoenix-based Vestar, announced this week the ban that has applied indoors now extends outdoors at the center on the western edge of Salt Lake City's downtown.
Eight smoking areas have been designated, however, for cigar, cigarette and electronic-cigarette smokers.
"In an effort to provide a more pleasant experience at The Gateway, and in addition to complying with the Utah Indoor Clean Air Act, we are now a smoke-free shopping center," the management said in a news release.
Ashtray urns are located at each of the designated outdoor smoking areas: two are along 200 South east of Rio Grande Street; another is located on 100 South west of Rio Grande Street; one is on 400 West near the Gateway office towers; one is east of the Olympic fountain; another is west of the fountain near the 500 West; one is on 50 North Street west of Rio Grande; and the final one is on the rooftop office tower patio on level 2.
The Gateway, where The Salt Lake Tribune's newsroom is located, has been struggling in recent years to retain and attract tenants.
The new owners plan to pump $30 million into the mall to boost foot traffic and rebrand it as an entertainment destination with new national and regional retailers, high-end eateries and frequent events.
Christopher Smart