One of South Salt Lake's most notable and unique buildings is the Columbus School Building (now known as the Columbus Center) which currently serves as a community center. The Columbus Center building is not only a community landmark, but a vital gathering place as well. The grounds around the building resemble a plaza or garden type area landscaped with pathways, benches, statues, and various plants and trees.
History
Architectural plans for the building were submitted in June 1916. It took less than a year to complete at a cost of $77,100. It opened mid-year 1917 as a primary school and closed as a school on June 4, 1968. Shortly after it was converted to house a training center for learning disabled adults, and used for that purpose for about 20 years.
In 1974 President Gerald Ford visited the school. In the late 1980s it was decided that it would be too costly to bring the building up to earthquake safety codes and remove asbestos, so the building was used as a warehouse until 1995.
The property was sold to the City of South Salt Lake, and in 1997 the architectural firm Cooper Roberts was hired to do a complete renovation of the building. Four years and 5 million dollars later a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 22, 2002 to honor the opening of the Columbus Library.
The Columbus Center
2531 South 400 East
South Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Amenities
Rooms available to rent for business meetings, conferences, parties, weddings, classes, dances, sports and presentations.
• Auditorium - up to 350 people
• Gymnasium/basketball court
• Kitchen
• Classrooms - up to 90 people
• Columbus Public Library
• Senior Center
• Download Columbus Center Reservation Form
Links
Utah State Historical Society
The Shipler Commercial Photographers Collection, 1903-1980