JEFFREY BERKE
Executive Producer | Freelance
PLACE MAKING
Eccles Theater, Main+Regent Cultural District
Project Lead: Salt Lake City Mayor's Office
Location: Downtown Salt Lake City
Client: GTS Development
SVP Programming. As SVP of Programming for GTS Development, responsible for strategic planning, branding, business operation, design integration and customer experience of the Eccles Theater, a new 2,500-seat performing arts center in Downtown Salt Lake City. JB also owned the strategy, design and development of the public spaces, public art and wayfinding in the surrounding cultural and entertainment district. No wonder it was a 7-year project!
Results: The Eccles Theater achieved the most successful opening of a new performing arts venue in the U.S. In the first year, the publicly-owned venue sold over 350,000 tickets and exceeded revenue projections by 100%, in addition to generating $16M in annual economic impact and 115 new full-time jobs. It has been recognized as the most energy-efficient theater and the most accessible for disabled audience members. Most importantly, the venue and its programming have transformed the SLC community socially, economically, culturally and artistically.