Celebrate Sugar House’s Long History at the Sprague Library This Month

Most Sugar House residents already knew that the Fairmont neighborhood is a really great place to live, but now everyone in the country knows it. That’s because the American Planning Association has recognized Fairmont as one of the top ten great neighborhoods in the nation. On February 23rd, all the lucky people who live, work, shop or just love the Sugarhood are invited to come celebrate that honor at Sprague Branch Library.

The APA selected Fairmont because of the value it places on its historic roots, its burgeoning residential and commercial development, its innovative transportation solutions, and the area’s ongoing efforts to become more environmentally sustainable.

The designation of Fairmont as one of America’s Great Places came after Salt Lake City’s Planning Division submitted an application describing it, with the Sugar House business district at its center, as the most walkable and diverse neighborhood in the city. Apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes are interspersed with bookstores, print shops, restaurants, pubs and grocery stores; spas, day care centers, churches, clinics and a veterinary hospital. A regional shopping center has convenient freeway access. Fairmont residents, workers and visitors can walk to almost every imaginable service within minutes. Raw food? Parts for a forty-year old vacuum cleaner? Boxing lessons for girls? All these and more are available. Sugar House and the Fairmont neighborhood have been called a “city within the city,” and most goods, services, and activities available in any town can be found here.

Tessa Epstein, Associate Librarian at Sprague, said that she is impressed by the commitment of so many people in Sugar House to the area’s history, to safe and accessible living conditions for present-day residents, and to realizing the possibilities for the future of the community. It is the people, she said, who make the place amazing.

The celebration, which will be held from 12– 4pm, will begin with a presentation by Council Member Søren Simonsen, who represents the area on the Salt Lake City Council. From 1-3pm, artist Blaine DeMille will give a painting and drawing demonstration. The Whistling Rufus String Band will play their old-time and traditional music between 2-4pm, and Laurie Bray’s photographs of familiar Sugar House landmarks will be on display during the event.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors of all ages can participate in an interactive art project, “Love Sugar House,” and take away a heart-y memento of the celebration. Sweet treats will be provided by Carol’s Cake and Pastries and Whole Foods Market.

You don’t have to live in Sugar House to love it. Deborah Moore, former Sugar House Journal reporter, said, “There’s no other place like Sugar House. It’s such an open-minded, artsy and forward-thinking community. I have a deep love for Sugar House.”