By Peri Kinder | [email protected]

The City of Holladay has a new historic designation: The Parade of Homes Lakewood Site Historic District, located at East Lone Peak Drive and South Fairoaks Drive. Homeowners in the district spent several years gathering the information necessary to send to the Utah State Historical Society and the National Parks Service for approval.

Diana Johnson, who lives at 1635 E. Lone Peak Drive, addressed the city council in August to celebrate the historic recognition.

“We have been working for the last three years to recognize the uniqueness of the homes in our neighborhood and the neighborhood itself,” she said. “The Lakewood District retains the highest degree of historic integrity with 11 of the original 17 homes unchanged and exhibiting the characteristics and defining features that are representative of post-World War II subdivision and design.”

Johnson became concerned about protecting the district when one of the original Parade of Homes houses was sold and scheduled for demolition. She and other homeowners got together with the hope of preserving the remaining homes that represent architectural types and styles of the 1950s.

In October 2019, Johnson organized a tour of five houses in her neighborhood, and one on Cottonwood Club Drive, created by architect Stephen McDonald, who also designed the original Cottonwood Club. Her goal was to educate and bring awareness to the unique history of the area.

“The intention was to highlight the architectural and historical uniqueness of the homes and was attended by approximately 1,000 people,” Johnson said. “It was one of the most successful tours Preservation Utah had ever held.”

The benefit of having the designation is the properties are officially listed with the national registry, the homeowners may affix a plaque to homes to document historic status and homeowners can apply for state tax credits to offset the expense of the repairs inside or outside the homes. 

In keeping with the historic district, homeowners cannot change the facade or roofline of the home or make additions that change the historic integrity.

“We believe this is a feather in the cap of Holladay City, that this historic designation highlights an important aspect of Holladay’s history and enhances a sense of community heritage,” Johnson said.

Robert Falck’s home at 1649 E. Lone Peak Drive is part of the new historic district which is the first to honor the history of the Parade of Homes. Falck, who also serves on the city’s historical commission is excited to have the area protected after one home on the street was torn down.

“We’re hoping to preserve and understand the nature of the neighborhood,” Falck said. “As homeowners, we’ve always been kind of proud that the houses were groovy and somewhat distinct. It was about preserving the heritage and the feel in the neighborhood.”

Neighbors in the district hope the city can provide new street signs that depict the historical designation of the neighborhood.

“It’s been a lot of work for…for all the neighbors that have participated. Kudos to you,” said Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle. “It’s an asset to your street and the homes you live in but also to the City of Holladay.”