County
Salt Lake
Year Built
1931-1932
Architect
Hugh C. Lewis and his associate William E. Nelson
National Register?
No, listed as eligible/contributing from 1988 survey
Status
Still Endangered
Status Explanation
Two fires on October 31 and November 1, 2024, just days after the property changed hands, severely damaged the Chateau Normandie's roof and upper floors. The building has been vacant for years and has collected more graffiti and vandalism since the fires. By January 2026, the property is for sale along with two neighboring historic buildings. The broker calls it a "premier land play," which suggests demolition and new construction instead of restoration. The building does not have a local landmark designation, so a buyer could request a demolition permit without any public process. No preservation-focused buyer has shown interest. The building's condition keeps getting worse, and its future depends on who buys it and what they decide to build.
About the Threat
Two fires on October 31 and November 1, 2024, just days after the property changed owners, severely damaged the building's roof and upper floors. The building has been vacant for years and, since the fires, has collected graffiti and suffered vandalism. As of January 2026, the property is for sale along with two neighboring historic buildings. The broker describes it as a "premier land play," which usually means demolition and redevelopment instead of restoration. The building sits on a 0.39-acre parcel zoned MU-8, allowing up to 75 feet in height by right and up to 90 feet with design review. So far, no buyer interested in preservation has come forward.
The building does not have a local historic landmark designation, so it is not formally protected from demolition. In contrast, the nearby Dinwoodey Mansion has this designation and is being marketed for restoration. Without similar protection, the future of the Chateau Normandie depends on its next owner.
Access
No. The two fires have made the building structurally unsafe. The public cannot enter without proper safety measures and expertise.
History
No. The two fires have made the building structurally unsafe. The public cannot enter without proper safety measures and expertise.
What can be done? What was learned?
The most urgent need is a buyer who wants to restore the building rather than demolish it. Turning the building into affordable housing, which is much needed in downtown Salt Lake City, makes a powerful case for developers interested in preservation. Federal and state historic tax credits would be available if the building is nominated for the National Register, making restoration more financially attractive. Getting the building listed would open up federal Historic Tax Credits and Utah's state historic tax credit program, making it much easier to finance restoration.
What is the timeline?
There is no set timeline or decision point yet. The building is for sale and continues to deteriorate. If a buyer interested in demolition purchases it, they could apply for a demolition permit without a public process because there is no local landmark protection.
What has been the public discussion?
The fires in October and November 2024 received extensive media coverage. Chris Merritt, Utah State Preservation Officer, said at the time that the building is important to Salt Lake City's early 20th-century growth and first real increase in density. He also pointed out that early brick buildings, once called fireproof, still have wood interiors that remain at risk of fire. The building's listing as Most Endangered in May 2025 brought more coverage. In January 2026, Building Salt Lake reported that the property is being marketed for land value, not restoration.
Links to more information and articles.
Building Salt Lake (January 2026 — listed for sale as redevelopment opportunity): https://buildingsaltlake.com/trio-of-historic-salt-lake-city-properties-hit-the-market-seeking-redevelopment-and-restoration/
Building Salt Lake (December 2021 — Dinwoodey/Chateau Normandie sale and landmark context): https://buildingsaltlake.com/dinwoodey-mansion-originally-marketed-as-a-tear-down-is-protected-from-demolition-after-all/
Fox13 (November 2024 — fires, investigation): https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/northern-utah/historic-apartment-building-under-investigation-after-multiple-fires-within-24-hours
KSL (October 2024 — first fire): https://www.ksl.com/article/51178094/fire-in-vacant-salt-lake-historic-apartment-sends-1-to-hospital
ABC4 (November 2024 — two fires in one day): https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/salt-lake-city-apartment-building-catches-fire-twice-in-one-day/
Deseret News (May 2025 — Most Endangered coverage): https://www.deseret.com/e/24076582/
KSL (May 2025 — Most Endangered coverage): https://www.ksl.com/article/51312075/these-historical-utah-treasures-are-on-the-verge-of-disappearing-forever
SHPO Property Record ID #95389: https://utahshpo.utah.gov/historic-buildings/