Fall is finally here, and while we're thrilled with the drop in temperature, we'll also take these temperate, sunshine-filled days for as long as Mother Nature allows. If you're looking to get outside and bask in the Vitamin D while you still can, we’ve compiled a walking tour of some of our favorite buildings on one of our all-time favorite streets—South Temple. Let's take a walk, shall we?
To see a map of this tour, click here.
Enos Wall Mansion (left), Governor's Plaza (right)
ALTA CLUB Frederick Albert Hale designed this stunner, finished in 1898 and perched on the corner of South Temple and State Street, in Italian Renaissance style. There's loads of history to be found inside, but the exterior is just as stunning. (100 E S Temple)
BIG-O TIRES One of Downtown’s most unexpectedly sweet structures, this Big-O—on the corner of South Temple and 200 East—sports some of the dreamiest mid-century arches in the city. (178 E S Temple)
CATHEDRAL OF THE MADELEINE Constructed between 1900 and 1909 this Neo-Romanesque masterpiece is one of the most stunning structures in the city. Admire from the outside but be sure to head inside for even more architectural goodness. (331 E S Temple)
IBM BUILDING NO.1 Completed in 1960 and home to IBM's first Utah office, this mid-century structure is most notable for the undulating white arches that preface it. (348 E S Temple)
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Just up the street from the Cathedral of the Madeleine, this structure—composed of red sandstone and designed by architect Walter Ware—is a staggering example of the Scottish Gothic Revival style. (12 C St E)
cityhomeCOLLECTIVE HQ (left), Masonic Temple (right)
IBM BUILDING NO.2 The most notably brutalist building on the block, IBM #2 is an austere concrete structure that boasts plenty in the way of simple-but-elegant details. (420 E S Temple)
MRS. BACKER'S PASTRY SHOP By now you surely need a refuel and/or warm-up, and this adorable SLC mainstay (since 1941!) is not only home to our favorite neon sign in the valley, but a mean gingersnap, as well. You’d do well to pop in for a half-dozen. Thank us later. (434 E S Temple)
STEINER AMERICAN BUILDING Rather inconspicuous at first glance, Steiner American Building (completed in 1967) is actually rife with Wrightian architectural elements on par with some of the city's best mid-century structures. This one's worth stopping and admiring--its details don't disappoint. (505 E S Temple)
GOVERNOR'S PLAZA Governor's Plaza houses some truly excellent flats, but isn't too shabby itself, aesthetically speaking. Completed in 1983, its tiered concrete silhouette offers a welcome contrast to some of the street's more traditional structures. (560 E S Temple)
UTAH GOVERNOR'S MANSION (Thomas and Jennie Kearns Mansion) Completed in 1902, this Chateau-esque manse (designed by Carl M. Neuhausen), underwent a significant renovation after a fire in 1993 destroyed much of the original structure. Pro tip: Come December, the exterior’s holiday lights display here are top-notch. (603 E S Temple)
Bonneville Tower (left), The Maryland Building (right)
SALT LAKE MASONIC TEMPLE The lore surrounding this building is compelling on its own, but the actual design of the structure is plenty intriguing, as well. A prime example of Egyptian Revival architecture, this spot has served as a striking addition to South Temple since its completion in 1927. (650 E S Temple)
CITYHOMECOLLECTIVE Our very own HQ, this spot is understandably near and dear to our hearts. That said, coming from a quasi-objective perspective, we think that the marble and glass facade holds plenty of design weight no matter the building's occupants. Be sure to pop in for a quick hello should you find yourself passing by. (645 E S Temple)
BONNEVILLE TOWER A pristine mid-century modern achievement, the Bonneville was designed by M.E. Harris, Jr. and completed in 1964. To this day, the building serves as a delightful throwback to some of the 20th century's most aesthetically inclined times, and the units inside sport views for daaaays...(777 E S Temple)
THE MARYLAND The Neo-Classical style of The Maryland (completed in 1912 and designed by Bernard Mecklenburg) is clear in the exaggerated ornamentation. We're a bit partial to this building, and in particular the diversity in design of its fab units. (839 E S Temple)
JANE'S HOUSE Built in 1908, this Georgian Revivalist home boasts stunning architecture and equally impressive landscaping. And, if you find yourself lucky enough to enter the home—it often serves as a venue for workshops and retreats—be sure to check out the incredible art collection spread throughout. (1229 E S Temple)
The Mayflower Building (below)
