20 Best Architectural Buildings in Utah: A Guide to Iconic Structures

Utah hosts numerous architectural marvels that capture the essence of its history, culture, and innovation.

From historic buildings to modern skyscrapers, the state offers a diverse array of structures that reflect various styles and periods.

These landmarks are not only visually stunning but also play significant roles in their communities.

What makes Utah’s architecture stand out is the blend of traditional and contemporary designs that cater to both historical appreciation and modern functionality.

Iconic buildings serve as symbols of Utah’s rich heritage and progressive vision.

Visitors and residents alike can admire these architectural feats as they explore the state’s vibrant urban centers and picturesque landscapes.

1. Salt Lake Temple

The Salt Lake Temple is an iconic building in Utah, located in Salt Lake City.

Built between 1853 and 1893, it is one of the most recognized landmarks in the state.

Constructed using large quartz monzonite blocks, the temple site covers 253,000 square feet. The walls range between 6 to 9 feet thick.

Designed by Truman O. Angell, the temple is noted for its detailed and ornate architecture.

It serves as a central point in Salt Lake City, with city addresses measured from its location on Temple Square.

For more details, visit the Salt Lake Temple Wikipedia page.

2. Utah State Capitol

The Utah State Capitol stands prominently on Capitol Hill, overlooking Salt Lake City.

Completed in 1916, its neoclassical architectural style mirrors great events in Utah’s history.

The building houses the chambers and offices of the state legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, and other key officials.

Designed with allusions to the Roman Republic, it features universal geometries and intricate details. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state.

3. Abravanel Hall

Abravanel Hall, located in downtown Salt Lake City, is an outstanding piece of architecture.

Known for its excellent acoustics, it is home to the Utah Symphony. Every surface inside is convex to prevent sound distortion.

Designed by local architects FFKR, Abravanel Hall opened in 1979. It is owned by Salt Lake County and continues to host numerous performances each year.

You can read more about its unique design and acoustics here.

4. Beehive House

The Beehive House, located in Salt Lake City, was built in 1854. It served as the official residence of Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first Governor of the Utah Territory.

Designed by architect Truman O. Angell, the house showcases Greek Revival architecture.

It features distinctive beehive sculptures, symbolizing industry and the pioneer spirit.

The Beehive House remains a significant historic landmark in downtown Salt Lake City, attracting visitors who appreciate its architectural charm and historical importance.

5. Logan Temple

The Logan Utah Temple is a prominent landmark in northern Utah’s Cache Valley.

Its architectural design blends Gothic Revival and French Renaissance styles.

This temple, dedicated in 1884, stands out with its two attached end towers and six octagonal corner towers.

Built entirely by volunteer work over seven years, the Logan Temple occupies an entire city block.

With charming gardens and an oval reflecting pool, the site provides a picturesque setting.

The temple was the first to feature progressive-style muraled ordinance rooms for live-acting presentations of ceremonies.

For more details, visit this site.

6. Provo City Center Temple

The Provo City Center Temple, located in downtown Provo, Utah, stands on the site of the former Provo Tabernacle.

Originally built between 1882 and 1885, the Provo Stake Tabernacle was an important cultural and religious landmark.

A fire in December 2010 severely damaged the tabernacle, leaving only its outer shell.

The LDS Church decided to restore and convert this historic structure into a temple. This process involved significant architectural challenges to preserve its Gothic Revival style.

The Provo City Center Temple was completed in 2016 and has become an iconic building in Provo, maintaining its rich history and architectural beauty.

7. Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is a remarkable place in Salt Lake City.

Situated on 100 acres in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, it features both botanical gardens and an arboretum.

The garden showcases over 21 acres of developed gardens along with five miles of hiking trails.

It is operated by the University of Utah and offers year-round access to the public.

For more information, visit Red Butte Garden and Arboretum online.

8. Grand America Hotel

The Grand America Hotel is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It was built in 2001 by Earl Holding and designed by Frank Nicholson.

This hotel is known for its grand architecture and luxurious interiors.

Guests at the hotel can admire exquisite chandeliers, museum-quality sculptures, and antique furnishings.

These elements make the Grand America Hotel a standout in Utah’s architectural landscape.

9. Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah is located in Salt Lake City.

This museum opened in 2011 and features a terraced structure.

Designed by Ennead Architects, the building is rooted in the landscape at the University of Utah campus.

It provides a trailhead to local trails and science.

The museum focuses on scientific inquiry, educational outreach, and cultural experiences.

The building’s design reflects its mission to illuminate the natural world. Its location a few miles from downtown makes it a key part of Utah’s architecture.

10. Cathedral of the Madeleine

The Cathedral of the Madeleine, located in Salt Lake City, is a notable example of Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic architecture.

The exterior was completed in 1909 by Bernard O. Mecklenburg after the original architect Carl M. Neuhausen passed away.

This Roman Catholic church features 185-foot towers and detailed stonework.

The interior, originally adorned with green walls and white columns, received further enhancements beginning in 1915.

The cathedral is a historic site and continues to serve the community with regular masses and events.

It remains one of Utah’s most admired religious buildings.

11. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is in Draper, Utah.

It was founded in 1997 by Brent Andersen, a marine biology graduate.

It attracts over 850,000 visitors annually and spans 90,000 square feet.

The aquarium features large animal exhibits with acrylic viewing windows. There’s an underwater tunnel and a shark tank.

It aims to inspire people to explore Earth’s ecosystems.

For visiting hours and ticket information, check their official website.

12. Springville Museum of Art

The Springville Museum of Art is Utah’s oldest museum for visual fine arts.

It is a stunning Spanish Moroccan style building in Springville, also known as “Art City.”

The museum houses over 1,900 pieces of art from Utah, Russia, and America.

The museum, completed in 1937, is an example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Learn more about it here.

13. Gilgal Gardens

Gilgal Gardens, nestled in Salt Lake City, is a unique treasure.

Created by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. in the mid-twentieth century, it’s hidden in the center of a block behind houses and businesses.

Visitors can find 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts.

One notable statue is a Sphinx with the head of Joseph Smith, reflecting Child’s LDS beliefs.

This distinctive garden is the only visionary art environment designated in Utah, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Explore more about it here.

14. Hogle Zoo

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is located at the mouth of Salt Lake City’s Emigration Canyon.

It’s one of the largest zoological facilities in the Intermountain West, spanning 42 acres.

Visitors can enjoy various exhibits, including the Asian Highlands and Rocky Shores.

The zoo is home to over 800 animals representing 250 species. It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

15. Oquirrh Mountain Temple

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple is located in South Jordan, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City.

This temple is notable for being the second temple in South Jordan, with the first being the Jordan River Temple.

The temple’s stunning architecture and well-maintained gardens make it a favorite among locals.

Lightning struck the angel Moroni statue atop the temple on June 13, 2009.

The statue was replaced in August 2009, just before the temple’s dedication.

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple was dedicated over three days from August 21 to August 23, 2009.

Learn more about the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

16. LDS Conference Center

The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a major architectural landmark for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Completed in 2000, it serves as the primary venue for the church’s biannual general conferences and other significant gatherings.

The building can seat 21,000 people, making it one of the largest indoor auditoriums in the world.

Its design includes a unique roof garden, which adds a touch of nature to the urban landscape.

With a total area of 1,500,000 square feet, the center features state-of-the-art facilities and innovative construction techniques.

It was designed to last at least 150 years, meeting and exceeding local building codes for seismic safety.

17. Gardo House

The Gardo House, also known as Amelia’s Palace, was a significant mansion in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Built between 1873 and 1883, it served as the official residence of the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the tenures of John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff.

The mansion was renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate details.

It was once considered one of the finest homes between Chicago and the West Coast. Unfortunately, the Gardo House was demolished in 1921.

Learn more about the history of the Gardo House.

18. Devereaux House

The Devereaux House, also known as the Staines-Jennings Mansion, is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Built in 1857 for William Staines, it is one of the city’s earliest mansions.

The house was designed by William Paul and later expanded by William Jennings, who served as the mayor of Salt Lake City.

The house served as a social hub, hosting distinguished visitors like Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. For more details, visit Devereaux House on Wikipedia.

19. Trolley Square

Trolley Square, built in 1908, was originally a set of trolley car barns for the Utah Light and Rail company.

The buildings were designed by E. H. Harriman, a railroad tycoon.

Trolley Square’s water tower is a prominent feature of the Salt Lake City skyline, standing 97 feet tall.

The tower once held 50,000 gallons of water.

By 1947, the rise of buses marked the end of the streetcar era.

The barns were repurposed several times before being acquired by developer Wallace Wright Jr. in 1972.

Today, Trolley Square is a popular tourist destination and shopping center in Utah.

More information can be found at Trolley Square History.

20. Wheeler Historic Farm

Wheeler Historic Farm is a notable example of a late 19th-century farmstead in Murray, Utah.

The farm offers a glimpse into the agricultural history and early farm life of Utah from 1887 to 1940.

Visitors can explore nearly 6,000 artifacts and educational pieces related to Utah’s agricultural past.

The farm remains a valuable historical site, showcasing farming techniques and life from that era.

The site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976, preserving its significance amidst modern development pressures.

Architectural Styles in Utah

Utah showcases a blend of architectural styles ranging from traditional designs to modern innovations.

The state’s architecture reflects a mix of historical influences and contemporary trends that shape its unique landscape.

Traditional Architectural Styles

Traditional architecture in Utah features a mix of classic American styles.

Colonial Revival and Victorian are among the common styles.

These buildings often have brick or wood facades, large front porches, and symmetrical windows.

Colonial Revival homes are known for their simple, box-like shape and gabled roofs.

Victorian styles, by contrast, boast intricate woodwork, tall, narrow windows, and decorative trims.

Additionally, Utah’s early settlers included many pioneers whose log cabins and farmhouses contributed to the rustic architectural heritage still visible today.

Modern Architectural Styles

Modern architecture in Utah includes sleek, minimalist designs.

These styles often feature large glass windows, flat or low-pitched roofs, and open floor plans. Minimalist decor with a focus on natural materials like wood and stone is common.

Architects such as Constantino Grandjacquet have contributed significantly to the modern architectural landscape.

Contemporary homes in Park City and Salt Lake City exemplify these clean, simple lines and integration with Utah’s natural beauty.

Buildings designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind are also becoming more prevalent, reflecting a growing trend towards eco-friendly living.

Influences and Trends in Utah Architecture

Utah’s architectural styles are influenced by both its natural environment and cultural heritage.

The state’s vast landscapes inspire the use of expansive windows and open spaces in homes, blending indoor and outdoor living.

Moreover, there is a growing interest in incorporating indigenous materials and design elements into new constructions.

Trends emphasize harmony with the surrounding environment, leading to structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Urban areas like Salt Lake City are seeing a rise in mixed-use developments, integrating commercial and residential spaces.

This trend supports a more walkable, community-focused urban lifestyle.

Utah architects also embrace technological advancements, employing advanced building techniques and materials to enhance both form and function.

Historical Context

Utah’s architecture is shaped by its unique history and the influence of historical events. This includes the pioneer settlements of the 19th century and significant national events that impacted building styles and methods.

Development of Architecture in Utah

Settlement in Utah began in the mid-19th century, led by Mormon pioneers.

Early structures used local materials like adobe and wood, showcasing simple designs.

The Utah Historical Society mentions that buildings from 1847-1940 reflect an evolving style as settlers became more established.

As the railroad arrived, imported materials and elaborate styles emerged.

Victorian architecture, marked by decorative trims and asymmetrical designs, became popular.

The Bungalow style also became common, noted for its low-pitched roofs and wide front porches, especially in Salt Lake City.

Each style represents the cultural and environmental adaptation of settlers, reflecting their practical needs and social aspirations.

Effect of Historical Events on Architecture

Significant events have left their mark on Utah’s architecture. For example, the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869 boosted economic growth. This allowed for wealthier constructions and diverse styles.

Pioneering settlements also influenced architectural development. Structures like those at Browns Park embody the frontier spirit.

During the 20th century, global movements like Modernism reached Utah. They brought styles like Art Moderne and International style, characterized by minimal decor and functional design.

These transformations show how local and global events shaped Utah’s architectural landscape. They introduced new materials, techniques, and aesthetics.