Settling in an isolated desert valley, Salt Lake City's Mormon pioneers laid out a city grid and constructed permanent structures to create their version of Zion. They brought with them their architects, builders, tools, and experience gained in the Midwest. Within a decade, the fast-growing community had created religious, business, and residential centers with Greek- and Gothic Revival-style structures built of stone and adobe. With the arrival of the railroad, urban architects, and a sizable "gentile" (non-Mormon) population in the 1860s, the city's architecture suddenly diversified in scale, style, and material. By the 1890s, virtually every American style was represented and impressive landmarks were found citywide. This trend continued throughout the early 20th century as talented architects designed in a rich variety of architectural expressions. Although several important buildings are lost, many remain and are now restored. In this book, Salt Lake City's legacy of historic governmental, religious, commercial, industrial, educational, social, and residential architecture--from 1850 through 1930--is pictured and described.

This book deals with both the history and architecture of the Avenues Historic District -- primarily a residential district -- of Salt Lake City.

From the earliest days of settlement, South Temple was Salt Lake's most prestigious street. In 1857, William Staines built the Devereaux House, Salt Lake's first of many mansions. The once-bustling Union Pacific Depot eventually found itself increasingly isolated. Downtown's "gleaming copper landmark" overcame numerous hurdles before its construction was finally finished, and the Steiner American Building helped usher in acceptance of Modernist architecture. Evolving to reflect its continued prominence, in 1975, the thoroughfare's core became the city's first local historic district, and in 1982, it made the National Register of Historic Places. Author and historian Bim Oliver celebrates the changing landmarks along these famous eighteen blocks.

Founded by Mormon pioneers seeking a place to practice their religion, Salt Lake City became a center of regional commerce, fueled by mining and the completion of the Union Pacific and local railroads. It ultimately attracted residents from all parts of Europe, as well as Mexico, China, and Japan. Historic Photos of Salt Lake City captures the story of this unique community through still photography selected from the finest collections, a visual record of the city's history presented in striking black-and-white photographs. From the building of the magnificent Mormon Temple and Tabernacle to the establishment of America's first department store; from muddy streets to wide boulevards with park-like medians; from Greek grocery stores to Japanese-American baseball teams, Historic Photos of Salt Lake City tells a visual story of a unique American city.