1911, Parkinson & Bergstrom, Architects Since 1995, The Joseph Smith Memorial Building
Salt Lake City, Utah

"The Hotel Beautiful," as it was promoted for over 75 years, is hardly an understatement for the largest, and most grand, hotel building designed by the Parkinson firm. Although it officially closed its doors as a hotel in 1987, any visitor can still appreciate the original detail and craftsmanship that the overall design so masterfully incorporates.

Mormon Church leaders, intent on providing world-class accommodations for the ever-increasing visitors to Salt Lake City, wisely hired the Parkinson firm of Los Angeles - known for their sumptuous hotels in California and Dallas, TX - to provide them with the best available design. From opening day, June 9th, 1911, the building lived up to the expectations and was often fully-booked well in advance. Situated directly across the street from the historic Mormon Tabernacle and Temple, in the heart of the city, Hotel Utah has hosted all the important politicians, entertainment figures, and other celebrities visiting the state. Since 1978, this enormous, gleaming white structure has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Parkinson & Bergstrom's contract for services was signed on May 29th, 1909. Within months of the hotel's opening, the firm was again retained to design an 10-story annex to the back of the building, bringing the total of hotel rooms up from 308 to approximately 434.

The building is 9 original stories plus 2 mezzanine levels, a roof level, and an extensive basement. In the hotel's central lobby space, 12 awe-inspiring marbleized columns, over 3 feet in diameter at the base, rise to 30 feet in height. A colorfully detailed art glass ceiling, centered amidst richly ornamented coffers, serves as the interior's focal point.

Like most hotels of the period, the Hotel Utah was billed as "fireproof and thoroughly modern in all conveniences." Indeed, the hotel originally boasted the gargantuan Lafayette Ballroom, the Empire Dining Room with its' orchestral niche, pergola-studded Roof Garden restaurants, and a large Presidential Suite. The basement plans show a large Grille Room complete with aquarium, future Turkish baths, an elaborate kitchen, employee areas (white separated from 'colored'), and a large Barber Shop with adjoining Ladies' Hairdressing room.

It was decided during construction to add above the cupola a beehive dome, one of the icons of the Mormon faith symbolizing industriousness. It's difficult to imagine the building without this crowning touch.

After a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the historical hotel reopened as the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Today, 8 out of the 10 floor are devoted to office space for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. The two roof top restaurants, long since enclosed, command fine views of the Capitol, Temple Square and downtown. Carefully introduced new functions include the fully computerized Family-Search Center and a 500 seat theater. The building's decorative features were lovingly restored, and the grand dame of Salt Lake City has respectfully secured her important future role for this vibrant city.

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