5 beautiful buildings every tourist in Salt Lake City should see
Salt Lake City is full of a variety of buildings and housing, but especially some amazing historic and interesting architectural structures. No visit is complete without seeing at least a few of these. They are beloved by locals and take all visitors into a journey through the city from past to present.
1. Salt Lake City Library
The lower lever of the foyer area of the Salt Lake City library contains small retail and service stores including an art gallery, coffee shop, even a hair salon. Oh yea, they have books there too.
The Salt Lake City Library’s main location is a window to the imagination for the city. The moment you see first see it, the five story curved glass wall against a wedged shaped building grabs your attention. The unique architecture has earned the structure numerous awards. The relatively new building was approved in 1998 after the library’s centennial celebration.
The building is more than just a library. It is its own unique community designed to engage visitors and provide them with a peaceful place to read and learn. The green Library square sits on the east side of the building as a natural sanctuary inside the city.
Windows provide natural lighting. A spiral staircase and glass elevators lead visitors throughout the building. A garden sits atop the roof to complete the building. The library is proud to have won the 2006 Library Journal’s library of the year award.
2. Salt Lake City And County building
A photo posted by Neal Holmes (@jupitersview) on
The Salt Lake City and County Building is a must see for anyone who loves Richardson Romanesque architecture. The historic building serves as the seat for Salt Lake City’s government. The “city and county” name comes from the building’s history as Salt Lake City county’s governmental seat. The building dates back to 1894 and takes visitors through a rich history of the area.
It was one of the first buildings retrofitted with base isolators to minimize damage during earthquakes. The sprawling building houses a variety of government offices and has seen events such as the Utah State Constitutional Convention and the famous trial of Joe Hill. City residents can always check the time by glancing up at the clock tower.
3. Utah Governor’s Mansion
Tricia Simpson
The Utah Governor’s Mansion was erected in 1902 to house Thomas and Jennie Kearns. Only the best supplies were used and many compared the style to mansions built for the Carnegies and Vanderbilts. From political debates to elaborate parties, the home has seen a wide variety of notable religious and political visitors including President Theodore Roosevelt.
The mansion became property of the state in 1937 as a donation from Jennie Kearns after her husband’s death. It then became the governor’s mansion until 1957. It was not until 1977 that Governor Scott Matheson proposed a restoration to set the mansion as the governor’s residence again. After the destruction of a fire in 1993, an extensive restoration took place to restore the home to its original glory. The beautiful architecture and turn of the century style have been returned with only some modern and safety upgrades.
4. Cathedral of the Madeleine
Saturday in downtown #utah #slc #saltlake #801 #religion #cathedral
The Cathedral of the Madeleine took a decade to build and was completed in 1909. The Romanesque exterior is an exquisite introduction to the mainly Spanish Gothic interior. Bernard Mecklenburg and Carl Neuhausen brought their blended vision to life to create a historic architectural wonder. The building is listed as an official national and Utah historic site. Reverend Lawrence Scanlan, the first bishop of Salt Lake City, oversaw the external construction while the city’s second bishop, Joseph S. Glass oversaw the internal construction.
A major restoration began in the 1970s on the exterior. The internal restoration began in 1991 and was completed in 1993. Beautiful ornate shrines and eye catching murals are just a few of the many features visitors love to see. The Madeleine Choir School brings new life to sacred music through the musical education of pre-K through grade eight students.
5. The Beehive House
The Beehive House was the official residence of Brigham Young – Salt Lake City Tour – http://t.co/ro0LPgGbPa pic.twitter.com/KSiZtJB3mY
— Salt Lake City Tours (@Salt_Lake_Tours) May 9, 2014
The Beehive House is best known as the residence of Brigham Young. The structure was complete in 1855 to house Young who was the Utah Territory governor and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The home was built to house Young’s multiple wives and children. It became the residence of his first wife, Lucy Ann Decker Young, after he moved into his second residence. The other residence, the Lion House is connected to the Beehive House.
A beehive sits at the top of the mansion to represent the concept of industry. This symbolic image later became part of Utah’s emblem. The home is now a historic landmark and museum featuring many of the original period furnishings.
What do you want to see next time you’re in Salt Lake City?
Let me know in the comments!
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