"We're setting the stage for new opportunities ahead of the economic recovery in a city becoming more and more attractive to employers and investors," Harris tells GlobeSt.com. Harris goes on to cite, among other things, "enormous current investment in the CBD, massive alternative transportation improvements, [and] substantial government incentives for business."

Harris will be responsible for sourcing and executing new development and investment opportunities in the Greater Salt Lake Area. Since he joined the firm's Orange County office in 2005, Harris has been responsible for the entitlement, financing, development, construction and leasing activities for the 265,000-square-foot, LEED-certified 2211 Michelson office building in Irvine, CA.

Also in Irvine, Harris was instrumental in acquiring two industrial buildings on 16 acres of land for redevelopment. Harris also led the design and entitlement efforts for the redevelopment, California Green, a six-building, 800,000-square-foot project that will include office and retail space.

Hines has owned and operated buildings in Salt Lake City since 1988, when it acquired the Kearns Building downtown. Another of its properties in the region is Cottonwood Corporate Center.