County
Box Elder
Year Built
1899–1900
Architect
Unknown; Allen N. Tanner is the likely builder
National Register?
Yes, listed 1982
Status
Still Endangered: Condition Deteriorating
Status Explanation
The A.N. Tanner House is still deteriorating, and there is no known preservation plan or active involvement. The roof is gone, leaving the building exposed to the weather and accelerating its decline. As of May 2026, there are no records of demolition plans, development proposals, or preservation efforts. The main threat is not from people but from ongoing neglect. Without action to stabilize the building, it will eventually collapse.
About the Threat
The building is at risk of being lost due to neglect and natural wear, not because of planned demolition. Now that the roof is gone, weather exposure, such as snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and moisture, is speeding up the damage to the brick walls and any remaining interior features. Because the house is so remote in the Grouse Creek area of Box Elder County, it is hard and expensive to monitor, stabilize, or repair. There are no current preservation plans, no active involvement from the owner, and no public funding for the property. The main risk is that the building will collapse over time or be destroyed by a major weather event like strong winds or heavy snow.
Access
The building still stands but is abandoned. It sits on private land in a very remote part of northwestern Box Elder County, and you can only reach it by an unpaved road. Grouse Creek is sparsely populated and far from city services. The building is not open to visitors. The site is about 100 miles northwest of Brigham City.
History
The building still stands but is abandoned. It sits on private land in a very remote part of northwestern Box Elder County, and you can only reach it by an unpaved road. Grouse Creek is sparsely populated and far from city services. The building is not open to visitors. The site is about 100 miles northwest of Brigham City.
What can be done? What was learned?
The most urgent need is to stabilize the building, especially by dealing with the missing roof before the walls start to fail. Even a temporary cover could slow down the damage. Any work on a National Register-listed property should follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, and buyers who do certified rehabilitation may qualify for federal and state historic tax credits.
In the long run, finding a new use for the building is the best way to preserve it. The same remoteness that led to its abandonment could actually be an advantage, as more people seek rural retreats, off-grid escapes, and agritourism experiences in places like Grouse Creek. Turning the house into a tech retreat, a bed-and-breakfast, or a guest ranch could generate income to help maintain the building and the land.
What is the timeline?
There are no permit applications, development plans, or regulatory actions for this building. How quickly it deteriorates depends only on natural forces. Losing the roof has accelerated the building's decline.
What has been the public discussion?
There has been no active public debate, city meetings, or regulatory action about the A.N. Tanner House. Its 2025 Most Endangered listing got a short mention in the Deseret News with other sites, and Preservation Utah's social media posts seem to have reached people in Grouse Creek and Tanner family descendants. The Grouse Creek Country Club website also has a page with historical photos of the house. Other than that, there is no ongoing public discussion about the building's future as of May 2026.
Links to more information and articles.
National Register nomination (NPS Gallery): https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/ad3666c8-d116-41fb-8ed9-69be466199e0
National Archives nomination record: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/72000786
USU Digital Collections — Grouse Creek photographs including Tanner House: https://digital.lib.usu.edu/digital/collection/Grouse/id/4536
Grouse Creek Country Club — Tanner House photos and community history: https://grousecreek.com/the-tanner-house/
Deseret News, May 16, 2025 — 2025 Most Endangered listing coverage: https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/05/16/these-historical-utah-treasures-are-on-the-verge-of-disappearing-forever/