The Lights Come On at the Salt Shed

Josh Dortzbach
Mar 2, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jan 14

There are moments in a project when the work truly comes to life, and for us, the first indoor show at The Salt Shed was one of those moments. After months of design, coordination, and construction, seeing the space filled with people, music, and energy marked an important milestone for a project we were proud to be part of. Read about the show here.

The Salt Shed’s transformation from the former Morton Salt warehouse into a modern concert venue is a powerful example of adaptive reuse done thoughtfully. The building carries decades of industrial history, and the reconstruction focused on preserving that character while creating a space capable of supporting large crowds, modern performances, and the technical demands of a world class music venue. As structural engineers, our role was to help bridge that past and present, ensuring the building could safely and confidently support its new purpose.

The first indoor show was a clear reminder of why this kind of work matters. What was once an industrial facility is now a place for gathering, culture, and shared experience. Standing in the space as the venue welcomed its first audience, it was impossible not to feel the significance of that shift. The structure was no longer just drawings and calculations, but a framework enabling connection and creativity.

At Forefront Structural Engineers, we believe that successful structural engineering often fades into the background once a space is in use. When people can focus on the music, the atmosphere, and the experience without thinking about what holds the building together, we know we have done our job well. The opening show at The Salt Shed embodied that idea perfectly.

We are grateful to have worked alongside a talented team of architects, builders, and partners to help bring this venue to life. Watching The Salt Shed host its first indoor concert was not just the start of a new chapter for the building, but a meaningful moment for everyone involved in its transformation.