Project Spotlight: Utah Education Association Headquarters
A Modern Home for Utah’s Educators
Forge Contractors is proud to serve as the general contractor for the new Utah Education Association (UEA) Headquarters in Murray, Utah — a landmark project that combines legacy, innovation, and collaboration.
Designed by Think Architecture, the project involves the partial demolition of UEA’s long-standing office building and the construction of a new 20,209-square-foot, two-story facility. Built on the site of the former parking lot, the new headquarters will provide UEA with a modern and efficient space to support its mission of empowering Utah’s educators.
The scope also includes site preparation, parking lot demolition, and structural repairs to the remaining portion of the original building — which is jointly owned and operated by a condo association.
Collaboration is Key
From the beginning, Forge Contractors has worked closely with UEA and Think Architecture to ensure a smooth, transparent, and cost-effective construction process.
Our preconstruction team, led by Rob Morris, held regular coordination meetings to review plans, evaluate costs, and address potential challenges early on. This proactive collaboration helped align goals, maintain efficiency, and ensure the project stayed on schedule despite unique site constraints.
Managing a Complex Site
The new UEA headquarters presented several distinct challenges. The site has served the organization for more than six decades, and a portion of the original structure remains in active use.
Project Superintendent Josh Anderson carefully reviewed the original hand-drawn plans to guide safe and strategic deconstruction. The team also worked closely with multiple stakeholders in the condo association, maintaining open communication to minimize disruption to their daily operations and shared property infrastructure.
Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology
Forge Contractors continues to lead the industry by integrating advanced construction technologies that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration:
Procore for real-time project management and streamlined communication.
Drone Deploy for weekly aerial progress photography and site documentation.
StructionSite for 360-degree interior imagery to track progress across all phases.
Navisworks for clash detection and utility coordination within tight mechanical spaces.
These tools ensure precise coordination among all trades, reduce risks, and provide our clients with complete project visibility.
Overcoming Challenges Through Innovation
The demolition phase proved especially complex, with regulatory permitting, asbestos abatement, and the discovery of unexpected structural conditions from previous additions.
Through regular communication with subcontractors, the condo association, and UEA, our team was able to adapt quickly and keep the project moving forward safely and efficiently. Flexibility and teamwork have been key in overcoming each challenge.
Built on Trust and Transparency
Recognizing that UEA’s expertise is in education — not construction — Forge made it a priority to build trust through transparency.
We maintain an open-book approach, sharing all cost data leading up to the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). This process allows UEA to make informed decisions confidently while ensuring fiscal responsibility throughout the project.
Our collaborative approach ensures that the client’s vision remains at the center of every decision, adding measurable value and strengthening our partnership.
A Legacy Project for Utah’s Teachers
The Utah Education Association Headquarters represents more than just a new building — it’s a legacy project that honors decades of service by Utah’s educators.
Forge Contractors is proud to play a key role in delivering this new home for the UEA community — a modern, sustainable space that reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and the future of education in Utah.
Project Team
Owner: Utah Education Association
Architect / Interior Design / Landscape Design: Think Architecture
Structural Engineer: Reaveley Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: Gunthers
Electrical Engineer: Champion Electric
Civil Engineer: Benchmark Engineering
General Contractor: Forge Contractors
Subcontractors:
Advanced Systems Construction • Allotech • B & D Glass Inc • Beacon Commercial Door & Lock • Boswell Wasatch Mills LLC • Cannon Sales Inc • Clegg Steel • Colton Inc • CP Build • Eighty 8 SWPPP • Green Construction Inc • Impact Fire • Jones Excavating Company Inc • KCG Services • Kim Pierce Masonry Inc • Mitchell Acoustics Inc • Nicolson Construction Inc • Otis Elevator Company • Premier Building Supply • Sage Demolition • Steel Encounters • Western States Waterproofing
