The Oldest Building In Utah’s Salt Lake Exchange Place Historic District Is One With An Interesting History
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 03, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Here in Utah, we have a rich pioneer history that we love. This history makes us unique and helps us stand out from other states nationwide. This pioneering history is evident in our small towns, national and state parks, and buildings. The Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse is a historic building in Salt Lake City that still stands tall today. This is the oldest building in Salt Lake City’s Exchange Place Historic District and will take you back in time every time you see it.
The Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse was originally known as the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. It is currently located at 350 South Main Street and is the oldest building in the Salt Lake Exchange Place Historic District.
This district contains 10 buildings and three non-contributory structures that are located along Exchange Place, a one-block street between 300 and 400 South Streets and 400 South Street between Cactus Place and State Street. This was SLC’s second major commercial district and all of the buildings were constructed between 1903 and 1917.
Shortly after Utah became a state in 1896, plans began for a federal building in Salt Lake City. Two local brothers purchased the land where the current building sits for one silver dollar in 1899.
Construction on the building began in 1902 and it was finished in 1905. Additions were made to the building many years later and renovations have been made as well.
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The courthouse is five stories and features a basement and a two-story penthouse. The primary materials used to build this grand building were granite, sandstone, and terra cotta.
While the outside is certainly unique and beautiful, the inside is as well. Throughout this historic courthouse, you will see a lobby and corridors featuring marble, terrazzo, and tile. Only three of the original courtrooms appear similar to how they did when first constructed. These courtrooms are located on the second floor.
This U.S. courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The entire district is also considered a historic landmark on the Salt Lake Register of Cultural Resources.
Whether you step inside this historic building or you simply spend some time outside its doors, it’s one structure that deserves a second look. It’s also one where you may wish that walls could talk and tell you the stories of what it has seen throughout the years.
Have you ever been inside the Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse? Did you know the history of this building? Let us know in the comments. If you plan to spend some time in Salt Lake City or surrounding communities, make sure to book a stay in a beautiful hotel and consider taking a hike.
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