the hidden gem & parlour

CLIENT

Hines Corporation

SERVICES

Planning | Interior Design

TYPOLOGY

Workspace, branded Space

LOCATION | STATUS

Salt Lake City, Utah | Completed 2018

every city has hidden gems

Hines Global Development tapped WOW atelier to breathe life into a forgotten outdoor corner of Salt Lake City’s Gateway District, their goal was straightfoward, create a “Hidden Gem.” The challenge? Turn a dead zone into a living, breathing haven for work and play. We rolled up our sleeves and dove into an exhaustive “road map process,” peeling back the layers of what their tenant mix truly craved.

They wanted it all: a spot to sit quietly or gather the whole crew, a venue to impress clients with big presentations, all greased with easy access to food and drink. Inside, we carved out space for pool, shuffleboard, and even a bartender—while a cozy listening lounge in the parlour offered a softer retreat. The interior spills into the outdoor area, uniting the two in a seamless dance of function and flow.
The mission was clear: a space that wasn’t just used but loved, a place where tenants bumping into each other might spark something bigger—community, synergy, even a little magic.

hidden gem interior

project approach

a cutty hidden space

We developed a concept of indoor outdoor spaces that could all be done with a beverage in hand. Meaning things that are easy to do and do not demand a lot of effort, but encourage people to hang out together. We know that when it’s time to enjoy yourself with coworkers, it needs to be done in a way that is easy and flows together. The space is designed so all tenants need to do is hire live catering and some live music, and they have a space to create great memories together!

interiors

two bars are better than one

Tucked away like a secret worth finding, this cutty hidden space was designed for effortless enjoyment. We dreamed up indoor-outdoor areas where every activity could be done with a drink in hand—casual, low-pressure, and irresistibly social. The goal? To make it easy for people to linger, laugh, and connect.

Understanding that unwinding with coworkers should feel natural, not forced, we created a space that flows as seamlessly as a good conversation. Tenants don’t need to do much—just a catering crew and maybe a live band, and the space is ready to spark camaraderie and unforgettable moments.

With its inviting design, this is more than just a hangout. It’s a place where memories are made, where the lines between work and play blur, and where community quietly comes to life in every toast and tune. Easy, natural, and endlessly inviting—this hidden gem delivers.

rooftop design

rooftop spaces day or night

From the start, the mission was clear: transform a baking concrete plaza wedged between buildings into a verdant urban retreat. We leaned on a 6×6-foot grid to impose a sense of order, shaping the space both on paper and in the air. The result? A lush oasis with a canopy effect overhead and secluded pergola nooks that provide reprieve from the eyes in surrounding windows.

The space is more than green; it’s alive with purpose. We carved out spots for bocce ball, barbecues, sun lounging, cozy conversation pits, and reading nooks. A small stage invites live or impromptu performances, breathing life into the plaza at any hour.

Designed with evening events in mind, the lighting transforms the space into a rooftop bar vibe at ground level. It’s a sanctuary for connection—perfect for workdays, unwinding, or nights alive with music, laughter, and good company.

studio team

WOW atelier

 Gregory Walker, Jon Turkula, Natalie Peterson, Chimso Onwuegbu

WOW fabrication: John Burdick, Kevin Lucey, Robert Villalvazo

collaborators

Hines: Dusty Harris, Daniel Stephens

Oak Tree Capital: Ian Curry, Brad Weinberg

SALT Studio: Stephanie Mulford, Camille Beauregards, Jessica Crandall

DAW Construction: Mike Jacks

Gray Skunk: Daniel Jensen, Oliver Lewis, Buzz Stringham

similar projects

ARCHITECTURE

quattro

READ MORE
the marq interior balcony
ARCHITECTURE

the

marq

READ MORE
oakwood residence exterior - park city utah
ARCHITECTURE

oakwood
residence

READ MORE
stein erikson lot 3 exterior
ARCHITECTURE

fjell
house

READ MORE