On February 5th, 2013, Salt Lake City’s Ladies Literary Club announced that they will be transferring ownership of their landmark building.  The elegant 1913 prairie-style mansion, located at 850 East South Temple, now stands to become part of the Utah Heritage Foundation.

After considering a number of alternatives, club President Laraine Christensen says, “As our legacy, our desire is to preserve the character of this wonderful building, and we are very excited about the Foundation’s plans to make the building available to the public.”  Waning membership, increasing expenses and tax obligations led the club to their decision.

Utah Heritage Foundation President David Richardson accepted the gift on behalf of the Foundation and the people of Utah and plans to embark on a fundraising campaign to help make necessary repairs and improvements prior to re-opening the clubhouse doors.  A registered historic landmark since 1977, Foundation Executive Director Kirk Huffaker calls it, “an architectural gem and important public resource.”  The Foundation hopes to raise $500,000 to finish renovations by the end of 2014.

The Foundation will oversee and operate the building much in the same way they do with the Memorial House at Memory Grove Park in downtown Salt Lake City.  Huffaker says, “We envision the Ladies’ Literary Club as a wonderful venue for weddings, banquets, celebrations, meetings, recitals, and events, much like it has been in the past, and now available to the public.”

A series of open houses will be held prior to renovations, inviting everyone to come see this enchanting historic clubhouse.

Please visit www.utahheritagefoundation.org for more information.