7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom
7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom - The Continental Hotel Built in 1908 Still Stands at 39 West Broadway
Standing tall at 39 West Broadway, the Continental Hotel, a product of 1908, represents a testament to Salt Lake City's past. It's one of the few downtown hotels that successfully weathered the significant construction boom of 1934, a period that reshaped much of the city's landscape. The Continental's continued existence is noteworthy, showcasing the ability of some historic structures to endure within a changing urban environment. Its architecture, preserved amidst a mix of old and new, stands as a reminder of Salt Lake City's historical roots and offers a glimpse into the city's evolution over the past century. This hotel's presence makes it an important site for anyone looking to understand Salt Lake City's history and development.
Completed in 1908, the Continental Hotel stands tall at 39 West Broadway, a testament to both its sturdy design and the sometimes haphazard nature of urban growth. It's fascinating to see how a structure built with innovative steel framing, a novelty at the time, allowed for larger, more flexible interior spaces compared to the brick and mortar structures that were commonplace then. This structural approach, coupled with early electric elevators and lighting systems, hints at a period of significant technological advancement that was gradually reshaping Salt Lake City's cityscape.
The hotel's Beaux-Arts facade demonstrates a blend of classic and modern sensibilities, reflecting the design preferences of the era. This blend has allowed it to endure, albeit with some modifications, in a city where tastes and building trends have continuously changed over the years. The fact that it remains standing after surviving the demolition frenzy of the 1934 building boom illustrates the careful design considerations given to its structure and functionality. The original designers clearly built it to last.
Beyond being a place to stay, the Continental Hotel initially housed a grand ballroom, serving as a significant social hub during the early 20th century. This aspect highlights how hotels were often more than simply lodgings, acting as central points for social and civic engagement. Its brick walls and unique foundation demonstrate engineering choices that valued durability, an element sometimes overlooked in contemporary architecture in favor of rapid construction and striking exteriors.
There's a lot of history baked into the Continental's design, including a peek into evolving early 20th-century building codes. The era saw increasingly stricter standards for safety and construction quality emerge, often as reactions to past disasters and fires. This hotel, with its ornate cornice reflecting a focus on craftsmanship and detail, is a fascinating example of these trends. Its long history, playing host to significant civic events like political rallies, has firmly cemented its place not just as a notable piece of architecture, but as a participant in Salt Lake City's broader story. It's a reminder that some structures, though built for specific purposes and periods, can transcend time and endure as part of a city's identity.
7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom - Hotel Utah Now Joseph Smith Memorial Building Since 1911
Originally opened on June 9, 1911, as the Hotel Utah, this building has undergone a significant transformation. Hailed as the "Grand Dame of Hotels," the Hotel Utah quickly established itself as a prominent landmark in Salt Lake City and the surrounding region, boasting a gleaming 10-story white exterior. The Hotel Utah Operating Company, with substantial involvement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, oversaw its construction and operation. It quickly became more than just a place to stay, serving as a central gathering point for social and religious events in the community. In 1993, the Hotel Utah was revitalized and renamed the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, a tribute to the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. While the building continues to host various events and functions, recent years have brought about challenges, including a closure in 2023 for renovations. This raises some questions about how this historical building will continue to contribute to the city's identity going forward.
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, formerly known as the Hotel Utah, opened its doors in 1911, a testament to early 20th-century construction and ambition. It was a considerable undertaking, costing around $2 million, a hefty sum that translates to roughly $64 million in today's money. Architect Walter E. Ware's design underwent a significant expansion in 1927, adding a six-story section complete with a rooftop garden. This expansion is indicative of the burgeoning trend of incorporating outdoor spaces into urban settings, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal.
The building's early use of reinforced concrete is notable. It demonstrates a conscious effort to build a structure that could withstand seismic activity, a consideration crucial in a region prone to earthquakes. This structural approach highlights a developing awareness of safety standards in engineering practices. The official dedication by LDS Church President Heber J. Grant underscores the hotel's role not just as a business but also as a prominent venue connected to the Church's activities and cultural influence.
The Hotel Utah, like many grand hotels of its time, implemented innovative technologies. One interesting example was the pneumatic tube system used for internal communication, showcasing the era's technological advancements in streamlining operations. The sheer scale of the hotel, with its initial 1,000 rooms, was impressive at the time. Today, the repurposed Joseph Smith Memorial Building operates with a significantly reduced capacity, reflecting changing industry norms and a growing preference for more personalized guest experiences.
Its construction embraced local resources, showcasing a strong focus on regional materials. Granite and marble from nearby quarries were prominently used in its design, likely driven by both economic reasons and a desire to reflect the local environment and aesthetic sensibility. The Hotel Utah was also one of the first hotels in the area to offer air conditioning, a luxurious amenity in the early 20th century. This forward-thinking approach provided a comfortable environment for guests during Salt Lake City's diverse climate.
The building's interior was opulent, with a grand ballroom that served as a hub for various social gatherings and prestigious events. This highlights how hotels transcended their role as simple lodgings and were instead multi-faceted spaces that promoted community engagement. After its conversion in 1993, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building underwent renovations, which aimed to preserve the original architecture while adapting the space for contemporary usage. This delicate balancing act of safeguarding historical elements while responding to modern needs presents a unique engineering and design challenge that continues to shape how we interact with the past within a modern urban environment.
7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom - Peery Hotel Maintains Original Prairie School Design from 1910
The Peery Hotel, situated in Salt Lake City's Warehouse District, is a notable example of how a building can retain its original architectural vision. Built in 1910, it showcases the Prairie School style, skillfully blended with elements of Classical Revival design by architects Charles B. Onderdonk and Irving Goodfellow. This architectural fusion gives the Peery a distinctive look, highlighting a careful balance between historical design and aesthetic appeal. Its historical significance led to its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Interestingly, the Peery Hotel is one of the few Salt Lake City hotels to withstand the massive changes brought on by the 1934 construction boom, a period that transformed much of the city's landscape. While modernized to offer amenities like internet access and multiple restaurants, it still preserves much of its original character. Antique furnishings and a commitment to a vintage feel give the Peery a boutique atmosphere. For those seeking a hotel experience combined with a glimpse into Salt Lake City's history, the Peery Hotel presents a unique opportunity to appreciate both the present and the past.
The Peery Hotel, erected in 1910, stands as one of the few remaining examples of the Prairie School architectural style in Salt Lake City. This design trend emphasized horizontal lines, flat or gently sloped roofs, and open spaces—a departure from the elaborate architectural styles of the past. The Peery's design reflects a shift toward a more natural aesthetic, a notable innovation for its time.
Interestingly, the Peery's exterior employs dark-stained wood and patterned brick, a choice that speaks to both design and functionality. These materials were likely selected not only for their visual appeal but also for their ability to provide insulation and withstand the weather extremes of the region. This speaks to a careful balancing of aesthetic and practical considerations in its original design.
The Peery's interior design prioritized natural light, incorporating large windows and open floor plans. This emphasis on natural light was central to the Prairie School ideology, showing an understanding of light's impact on both the visual appeal and the well-being of those within the building. This design element is a testament to the growing awareness of how light influences the human experience within built environments.
In contrast to many contemporary hotels, the Peery adopts a minimalist approach, avoiding excess ornamentation and aligning with the Prairie School's philosophy of prioritizing functional beauty over elaborate embellishments. While this minimalist approach might seem stark compared to the decorative styles that followed, it also enabled flexibility in the hotel's interior spaces, allowing for adaptations to changing needs over time.
The Peery's foundation includes reinforced concrete, a clear indication of its robust structural design. This construction choice was becoming increasingly important in urban development, especially in earthquake-prone areas like Salt Lake City. It suggests a progressive understanding of engineering practices and the role of structural integrity in building design, particularly during a time when urban construction was booming and pushing the boundaries of existing technologies.
The hotel retains some of its original features, such as the vintage elevator system, which highlights some of the less celebrated engineering triumphs of the early 20th century. While today's standards might consider these systems archaic, they are a testament to the ingenuity of engineers working within the constraints of the available technology.
Maintaining its Prairie School aesthetic for over a century has posed challenges, requiring ongoing efforts to preserve the original details and address modern safety and accessibility needs. This highlights the constant negotiation between maintaining historical integrity and adapting to the needs of a constantly evolving city. It’s fascinating to consider the trade-offs involved in balancing these demands on a historic building.
The Peery was one of the first hotels in Salt Lake City to use electric lighting, representing a pivotal shift in urban life. The adoption of electric lighting enabled businesses and public spaces to extend their hours of operation, creating a richer and more vibrant nighttime environment. This connection between technology and evolving urban spaces is something that researchers still study today.
Its downtown location within Salt Lake City was strategically chosen, reflecting the development of infrastructure in the early 1900s that facilitated both commerce and social gatherings. The Peery’s presence speaks to the evolving urban landscape of the era and the increasing importance of downtown areas as hubs of social and economic activity.
A fascinating aspect of the Peery's original design was a unique penthouse level that was planned as both a private residence and a public viewing platform. This concept of mixed-use development within a building is only now seeing a resurgence in contemporary architecture, demonstrating an early understanding of integrating public and private spaces within an urban setting. It suggests a foresight in how these spaces could be interwoven to benefit residents and visitors alike.
7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom - Brooks Arcade Hotel Operating Since 1912 on State Street
The Brooks Arcade Hotel, standing at 260 South State Street, has been a fixture in Salt Lake City since 1912. Its story begins even earlier, in the 1890s, when it was built as a department store, reflecting the popular Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. This building represents one of the best examples of that style in Utah. However, the initial construction wasn't without its challenges, as the building's brick structure caused it to sink somewhat. Despite these early setbacks, the building persevered and eventually found a new life as a hotel after renovations in 1999. The hotel has remained a part of Salt Lake City's downtown area, highlighting how older buildings can adapt and survive a city's constant transformations, even experiencing another renovation as recently as 2023. Its continued existence amidst a changing urban landscape speaks to the value of preserving historic buildings and their ability to play a role in a city's story.
The Brooks Arcade Hotel, standing at 260 South State Street, has been a fixture of Salt Lake City since its completion in 1912. Initially envisioned as a six-story department store for Julius Brooks, its construction, showcasing Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, faced challenges early on. The brick structure started to sink, hinting at the complexities of construction during that era. It's a prime example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style that gained popularity in Utah between 1889 and 1893, highlighting how architectural tastes evolved.
Interestingly, the building's initial design incorporated a "shell-and-core" structure, a somewhat novel approach that allowed for flexibility in how the interior spaces could be configured. The ability to change interior uses, while maintaining the exterior shell, is noteworthy when considering how the building's purpose has shifted over time. The building was originally intended as a mixed-use space, a practice that is commonplace today, incorporating commercial spaces on the ground floor.
It's worth noting that this was built shortly after a series of devastating urban fires. The designers were clearly attuned to the heightened concerns regarding fire safety and integrated fireproof elements and improved egress strategies. The building also reflects an early awareness of earthquake risks in the region, implementing a strong steel frame that would offer structural stability. The building's Beaux-Arts style with its integration of concrete demonstrates a transition period in architectural design when traditional aesthetics were blending with newer construction practices.
The Brooks Arcade's story also demonstrates an intriguing role as a cultural hub. Art galleries and theaters were among its earliest tenants, showcasing its function beyond a retail center or lodging space. It became a focal point of the city's cultural scene, a testament to the broader societal changes of that period where community engagement became central to urban life.
This hotel, which also pioneered air circulation systems before air conditioning became mainstream, is a rare survivor of the significant 1934 urban development that transformed Salt Lake City. Its continued existence speaks to the robustness of its original construction and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It's been renovated several times, most recently in 2023, but the commitment to its original aesthetic remains apparent. The Brooks Arcade Hotel stands as a testament to how structures can adapt over time, while holding onto their historical significance within a dynamic cityscape. This hotel offers a glimpse into the architectural and cultural evolution of Salt Lake City in the early 20th century, a period marked by innovative design and rapid social change. It’s an integral part of a series of historic downtown hotels that provides a fascinating perspective on how the city has developed.
7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom - New Grand Hotel Preserves 1910 Renaissance Revival Architecture
The New Grand Hotel, constructed in 1910, exemplifies the Renaissance Revival architectural style with its distinctive features, including colorful inlaid tiles and a prominent bracketed cornice. This hotel's history is intertwined with John Daly, a prominent figure in Salt Lake City's business scene outside of the Mormon community, who owned silver mines in Park City, contributing to the hotel's broader narrative. It's recognized for its historical significance through its inclusion in the Historical Marker Database and as part of guided walking tours. The New Grand Hotel's design reflects the popular architectural trends of the early 20th century, but it also presents a unique example of this style within Utah's distinct architectural landscape. This hotel is a reminder of a time when buildings were often built with a vision for both lasting aesthetics and grand aspirations, providing a glimpse into Salt Lake City's architectural development and the legacy of a specific time. Its survival is a testament to the efforts to preserve historic buildings, a challenge given the numerous changes Salt Lake City experienced in its growth over the past century.
The New Grand Hotel, erected in 1910, embodies the Renaissance Revival architectural style, a fascinating blend of classical design principles and emerging modern engineering practices. It showcases a distinct aesthetic with elements like columns and detailed stonework, all while incorporating functional considerations. The choice of materials like glazed terracotta and pressed brick demonstrates a thoughtful approach to both appearance and structural durability, highlighting a key characteristic of the era's hotel design philosophy.
The hotel's structural system primarily relies on load-bearing masonry, a method that enabled architects to create impressive interior spaces with high ceilings—a significant feat during the period of rapid urban expansion. Large window openings, a notable design feature, allowed for an abundance of natural light to enter the building, demonstrating an early appreciation for the effect of light on occupant comfort and potentially impacting the hotel's energy efficiency.
The New Grand's construction incorporates an emphasis on fireproofing, integrating reinforced concrete and fire-resistant materials, a direct response to devastating urban fires in nearby areas. This proactive approach toward safety standards underscores a significant change in building codes and practices of the early 20th century. The meticulously preserved interior plasterwork and ornate details reveal the high level of craftsmanship and technological capabilities available at the time, emphasizing a stark contrast to many of today's building techniques that lean heavily on prefabrication.
The hotel's foundation is built using a pioneering deep piling system. This adaptation is crucial because it provided stability on the soft soil conditions characteristic of Salt Lake City. It reflects an early understanding of geotechnical issues and the importance of tailoring structural designs to specific local conditions. Another intriguing feature is the hotel's rooftop garden, a rare sight for that period, which could be seen as an early example of incorporating green spaces into the urban landscape. This feature could offer insights into a budding understanding of the positive effects green spaces can have on city climates.
Finally, the New Grand Hotel's prominent location at a busy intersection wasn't accidental. It highlights the careful planning and the role hotels played as social and economic hubs in the city. The architects and developers likely had the foresight to see the location as a catalyst for economic activity. The engineering choices made throughout the construction process, from earthquake resistance to optimized load distribution, reflect a deep understanding of building in an earthquake-prone region. This kind of foresight is increasingly vital in modern building design and construction as scientists learn more about climate change and geological instability. The New Grand stands as a unique example of architecture and engineering of the era.
7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom - Wilson Hotel Building From 1906 Remains at 200 South State
The Wilson Hotel, standing at 200 South State Street, has been a part of Salt Lake City's landscape since its opening in 1906. Initially built to provide a refined and luxurious experience, the Wilson quickly became a central gathering place for visitors and local residents alike. It offers a window into Salt Lake City's early 20th-century hospitality scene and serves as a reminder of how hotels were integral to the community. The Wilson Hotel's survival, particularly considering the significant construction boom that altered much of downtown in 1934, underscores its enduring presence and the value of preserving older buildings. While the city has undergone substantial transformations, the Wilson Hotel remains a visible symbol of the past, showcasing the architectural character of the era while contributing to the understanding of Salt Lake City's development and growth. It's a compelling example of how buildings can retain historical significance even amidst modern urban changes, highlighting the unique role that older hotels have played in shaping the city's character.
The Wilson Hotel Building, completed in 1906 at 200 South State, offers a fascinating snapshot of early 20th-century architecture in Salt Lake City. Its design blends Romanesque and Beaux-Arts influences, reflecting the evolving architectural tastes of the time and showcasing a shift towards a more modern urban aesthetic.
The original construction techniques used a mix of reinforced concrete and steel framing, which were relatively new at the time. This innovative approach facilitated taller buildings and emphasized open interior spaces, representing a considerable step forward in building practices. It’s interesting to think about how the materials and design decisions influenced the overall feel of the hotel.
One of the intriguing things about the Wilson Hotel is that it was built in response to a surge in demand for lodging in Salt Lake City, which coincided with the arrival of the railroad. This illustrates how transportation infrastructure influenced the development of the city's built environment. It makes you wonder what the surrounding area looked like before the hotel was built, and how the hotel might have influenced surrounding development.
The Wilson Hotel was also equipped with advanced technology for its time, including early versions of central heating and electric lighting. These features undoubtedly improved the guest experience and demonstrate an emerging focus on utilities within hotel design. Thinking about the cost and complexity of installing these systems in 1906 leads to interesting comparisons to how readily available and cost-effective those technologies are now.
Over the years, the hotel has seen numerous renovations, including a major one in the late 20th century. These improvements added modern conveniences while striving to preserve the original character of the building. This ongoing effort highlights the enduring challenge of balancing historic preservation with the needs of a dynamic urban environment. It seems like a perpetual tug-of-war between historical authenticity and contemporary utility.
A particularly interesting feature of the Wilson is its use of extensive window space, which was typical of the time. This design decision emphasizes the recognition of natural light's importance for the well-being of people inside the building. It's something we take for granted today, but it highlights an early awareness of the relationship between buildings and daylight, which has gained even more attention in modern architectural theory.
The hotel’s foundation uses deep pilings to counter the soft soil found in the area. This adaptation is evidence of an early understanding of how to design and engineer structures to address specific local conditions, which is incredibly important in an area with a history of earthquakes. It’s worth noting that construction standards have evolved tremendously since that time, leading to both more resilient buildings and arguably more complex approaches to dealing with soil conditions.
While many buildings from this period leaned towards ornate, almost chaotic, details, the Wilson’s façade displays a more subdued elegance. It’s a subtle change but potentially indicative of both the financial climate of the time and a growing trend toward a more refined aesthetic in urban design.
Since its inception, the Wilson Hotel has been repurposed for various uses, from lodging to commercial endeavors. This flexibility and adaptability echo the modern movement towards mixed-use developments that we are seeing gain prominence again today.
Today, the Wilson Hotel stands as a reminder of the durability of early 20th-century engineering and a testament to the building’s endurance. Its persistence in Salt Lake City's rapidly evolving skyline raises important questions about the ongoing debate between maintaining historical landmarks and satisfying the demands of modern urban growth. The Wilson Hotel, as a survivor of both time and city development, invites a lot of thought regarding the nature of historical buildings and how we choose to either preserve or modify them in a constantly changing world.
7 Historic Salt Lake City Downtown Hotels That Survived the 1934 Construction Boom - Cullen Hotel Structure From 1889 Guards Exchange Place Historic District
Built in 1889, the Cullen Hotel holds the distinction of being Salt Lake City's oldest continuously operating hotel. It reflects the era's technological and social advancements, boasting features like steam heating and running water, innovations considered quite modern for the time. Its central location at 33 West 200 South was a key factor in its popularity, providing easy access to all major transportation routes in Salt Lake City. The Cullen offered 128 rooms, including 30 suites with private bathrooms, a level of luxury not always common. The hotel's standing within the Exchange Place Historic District, designated in 1978, underscores its architectural importance. The district itself showcases a significant period in the city's commercial development with buildings using cutting-edge steel frame masonry construction. While some buildings in this district were built later, the Cullen's presence helps demonstrate how earlier developments paved the way for this architectural style and that style's importance to the city. The Cullen’s survival, especially during the intense urban development of 1934, speaks volumes about the building's design and its continued relevance to the city's identity. It serves as a visible reminder of the architectural legacy of a time when Salt Lake City was actively shaping its urban environment.
The Cullen Hotel, established in 1889, holds the distinction of being Salt Lake City's oldest surviving hotel. It's remarkable how this building, considered a marvel for its time, incorporated modern amenities like steam-powered elevators, electric lighting, steam heating, and even hot and cold running water. These features showcased a forward-thinking approach to hospitality, reflecting the technological advancements reshaping urban life. The hotel initially offered 128 rooms, including 30 with private bathrooms, a luxury not common in 1889.
Its location at 33 West 200 South proved advantageous, putting it within easy reach of Salt Lake City's railway stations and other transportation hubs. This central location, coupled with the advanced amenities, made it an attractive option for visitors. The Cullen Hotel itself is part of the Exchange Place Historic District, designated as such in 1978 on the National Register of Historic Places. This district covers roughly 62 acres and contains about ten buildings, mostly from the 1903 to 1917 period. These structures highlight an era of urban development in Salt Lake City, featuring a steel-framed masonry construction style considered innovative and fireproof at the time. The tallest of these buildings, however, is the Hotel Newhouse, built in 1912 with eleven stories and 300 rooms.
Interestingly, the Cullen Hotel's original design seems to have integrated a foresight for future changes and adaptation. Engineers likely understood that urban settings are in constant flux and designed it with that in mind. It's quite intriguing to see how the use of local materials like brick and granite wasn't just an aesthetic choice but a practical one that helped the hotel blend seamlessly with its surroundings. This design concept was also likely influenced by a growing awareness of the seismic risks in Salt Lake Valley, and we see this reflected in its early seismic design principles.
Another interesting element of the Cullen Hotel is its early climate control system. The engineers used intricate venting methods to maintain comfortable temperatures, revealing a rudimentary understanding of both climate control and indoor air quality. Fire safety was a primary concern at that time, due to numerous urban fires, and the Cullen's engineers wisely utilized materials like terracotta and brick known for their fire-resistant properties. It's also notable that one of the earliest forms of hydraulic elevators was integrated into the Cullen's design, indicating a drive for both innovation and guest convenience. The Cullen was designed to blend aesthetic appeal with function. The intricate cornice detailing and other artistic elements exemplify this, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship common in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
Beyond its role as a hotel, the Cullen often hosted events and public gatherings, demonstrating its importance in the social fabric of the Salt Lake City community. Its construction and ongoing operation demonstrably spurred nearby commercial activity, just like hotels do today. However, the enduring legacy of the Cullen Hotel presents a significant challenge—the careful balance between preserving its historical character and complying with current safety standards and regulations. Maintaining this historic structure requires consistent engineering scrutiny, raising wider questions about how cities reconcile their historical roots with ever-changing needs and building technologies.
The Cullen Hotel offers a window into Salt Lake City's urban development during a time of transition and technological advancements. It's fascinating to examine these buildings to understand the design trends and engineering practices of the past. How these older buildings integrate with current infrastructure, design codes, and community needs is a continuous discussion within the architecture and urban design fields.
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