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5th Ward Meetinghouse

740 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Saved

2024

County

Salt Lake

Year Built

1910 (original structure); 1937 remodel and addition

Architect

Cannon and Fetzer

National Register?

Yes, listed 1978. Also, an official Salt Lake City Landmark site.

Status

Saved

Status Explanation

The Fifth Ward Meetinghouse is now considered saved thanks to three key developments since it was listed in 2024. The original 1910 chapel survived the illegal demolition attempt on Easter 2024. Skyler Baird, the new owner and founder of the nonprofit Salt of the Earth, has committed to fully restoring the building to its 1910 look, and community members have been volunteering and getting involved. Preservation Utah's Revolving Loan Fund will support the rebuild of the front stairs. This loan will pay for rebuilding the original 1910 front stair and entry using bricks salvaged from the demolished 1930s addition. The building still holds its Salt Lake City Landmark status and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The saved designation shows the positive direction of this project. It has active, community-backed ownership, formal financing from Preservation Utah's Revolving Loan Fund, and continues to be protected by having a local landmark designation. The restoration is still in progress, and Preservation Utah will continue to monitor the project's completion.

About the Threat

The immediate threat of demolition has been resolved. The original 1910 chapel survived the illegal partial demolition attempt on Easter 2024 and is now being actively restored by owners committed to preservation. The building still holds its Salt Lake City Landmark designation and National Register listing.

The main concerns now are about carrying out the project, not about losing the building. Restoring the building will cost over $500,000, and funding beyond the Preservation Utah loan is still being secured. If the project slows down or needs refinancing before restoration is finished, this could cause delays.

Access

The building is closed to casual visitors while restoration work is ongoing. However, you can see the site at 740 South 300 West from 300 West. Community volunteer events have taken place on-site, and Salt of the Earth encourages public involvement. For current volunteer opportunities, contact Salt of the Earth. The building still has its SLC Landmark status and stands out as a familiar sight in the Granary District.

History

The building is closed to casual visitors while restoration work is ongoing. However, you can see the site at 740 South 300 West from 300 West. Community volunteer events have taken place on-site, and Salt of the Earth encourages public involvement. For current volunteer opportunities, contact Salt of the Earth. The building still has its SLC Landmark status and stands out as a familiar sight in the Granary District.

What can be done? What was learned?

The restoration project is moving forward, and the building has a promising future, but community support is still needed. Salt of the Earth is seeking donations to help cover the remaining restoration costs, in addition to the Preservation Utah loan. People can help by donating or joining volunteer events with Salt of the Earth.

The story of the Fifth Ward Meetinghouse shows how local landmark protection can be fragile, but also how strong a community response can be when people act quickly. What made this project successful was having a new owner who truly cared about preservation, quick and ongoing community support, and a financial tool, Preservation Utah's Revolving Loan Fund, that helped turn good intentions into real progress. This approach, which combines supportive ownership, community involvement, appropriate financing, and legal protection, is a model others can follow.

What is the timeline?

The full restoration is expected to cost over $500,000, and not all the money has been raised yet. The Preservation Utah Revolving Fund Loan will cover the reconstruction of the front stair and entry. Salt of the Earth is continuing to raise more funds.

What has been the public discussion?

The illegal demolition on Easter 2024 sparked immediate and strong reactions from the community. Neighbors, former congregation members, people from the Buddhist temple, and preservation advocates all responded quickly and stayed involved throughout the year. Preservation Utah Executive Director Brandy Strand was quoted in several news outlets, calling Baird's plan for the building a great example of community-focused preservation. The owner of the nearby business RubySnap personally paid for security cameras and lighting before the new owner took over. Monthly volunteer workdays in 2025 had steady turnout. News outlets like KSL, ABC4, Fox 13, KUTV, and Building Salt Lake covered the restoration at different stages.

Links to more information and articles.

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