Reviving History Through Fabrication: How Adaptive Reuse Brings New Life to Iconic Structures

In today’s built environment, where sustainability, storytelling, and innovation intersect, adaptive reuse stands out as a compelling architectural movement—and CEI Materials is proud to be part of its evolution. One of our most recent contributions to this narrative is the recently completed Asher Adams Hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

What makes this project truly remarkable isn’t just its modern luxury or scale—but its history.

New Asher Adams Tower ©HKS, Inc.

Where Heritage Meets Innovation

The Asher Adams Hotel breathes new life into Salt Lake City's Union Pacific Depot, originally constructed in 1908. A grand monument to the golden age of American railroads, the depot had long stood as a cultural anchor, albeit underutilized in recent decades. With sweeping French Second Empire architecture, stained-glass windows, and terrazzo floors, it held immense historic and aesthetic value—making it a prime candidate for adaptive reuse.

This is where the vision of The Athens Group and Hatteras Sky came into play, blending classic restoration with state-of-the-art hospitality. CEI Materials was brought in to fabricate the modern façade addition—a sleek, eight-story guestroom tower that sits behind the historic depot. The new structure balances the old with the new, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can successfully integrate cutting-edge architectural panel systems into century-old sites.

Fabricating a New Future for the Past

For our team, the challenge was to complement—not compete with—the depot’s existing architecture. The restoration and expansion project was a collaboration between HKS Architects, Okland Construction, and Steel Encounters, with CEI Materials delivering the precision-fabricated exterior that bridges past and present.

HKS partner Emir Tursic—who led the architectural restoration—shared the significance of the project: “The public had an emotional connection to it. It’s part of our cultural heritage. The craftsmanship simply doesn’t exist anymore—it has significant value that would be impossible to replace.”

The expansion added a new eight-story guest tower, fabricated by CEI, that seamlessly integrates with the historic structure’s French Second Empire architecture.

CEI Materials fabricated the exterior façade using 1/8” aluminum plate panels and the R4000 panel system with Alucobond’s Duranar Sunstorm Lexus Bronze, a warm, metallic finish that harmonizes with the rich textures of the original building. These modular aluminum composite panels not only offer a durable and high-performance cladding solution but also contribute to the building’s modern aesthetic without compromising its historic character.

Adaptive reuse projects like Asher Adams demand more than just precision—they require contextual sensitivity, close collaboration with designers and installers, and an understanding of how to bridge eras through materials. The result? A design that not only meets contemporary performance and energy standards but tells a story rooted in place and time.

Why Adaptive Reuse Matters

There’s a growing cultural and environmental imperative to preserve our architectural heritage—and fabrication plays a critical role in making it possible. By repurposing historic structures:

• We reduce demolition waste and embodied carbon.
• We retain community identity and visual memory.
• We create compelling spaces that merge legacy with luxury.

In fact, the Asher Adams Hotel exemplifies how old buildings can become relevant once more—not through replication, but through reinvention.

From Depot to Destination

What was once a dormant piece of infrastructure is now a 225-room boutique hotel with rooftop views, vibrant public spaces, and an undeniable sense of place. The new tower addition gives visitors an elegant modern retreat, while the restored depot invites them to experience the craftsmanship of the past in a functional, livable way.

With its blend of timeless design and contemporary amenities—including multiple bars, a signature restaurant, and business event spaces—Asher Adams offers a case study in how adaptive reuse can elevate hospitality.

At CEI Materials, we believe every building tells a story—and we’re honored to help tell the next chapter. Through adaptive reuse and expert fabrication, we’re able to preserve the architectural soul of a space while supporting its modern function and future success.

The Asher Adams Hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a reminder that the past still has a place in how we build tomorrow.

Union Pacific Image ©CR&C