Celebrated annually, May has been proclaimed “Historic Preservation Month” in Holladay in part to support the preservation of historically significant buildings. The Holladay Historical Commission has planned engaging interactive events for residents throughout the month to share in the formative narrative of historical structures in the city.

The community is invited to participate in a historic building tour of Holladay City beginning May 1. Participants can walk, bike or drive to visit 30 homes and six businesses throughout the month and learn about the historical significance of each structure. While interior tours of the buildings are unavailable, each historic site will have a sign with a QR code that provides access to detailed historical information. This year, the tour includes the Cottonwood Country Club, a new addition to the historic tour.

The Holladay Historical Commission’s Monday Night Speaker Series will continue on May 12 at Holladay City Hall in the Big Cottonwood Room. Martha Bradley Evans, professor in the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Utah, will present an informative lecture titled “An Architectural Travel Guide to Utah.” The lecture will focus on the architectural styles of the historic homes on Valley View Avenue, a local landmark street in the heart of Holladay historically known as “Valley View.” The lecture will guide attendees through the significance of material culture, settlement and the natural landscape reflected in these homes.

According to Evans, “Valley View” was parallel to Murray Holladay Road and began on Holladay Boulevard, the two primary roads in the formative period of the city. “Valley View” gives a sense of the progression of architectural styles that marked change moving eastward from the grand Annie and William Livingston Arts and Crafts house constructed in 1917 and on the corner of Holladay Boulevard and Valley View Avenue to Wander Lane at the east. With the exception of the Livingston house on the corner, the original homes were modest, between 1,000 and 1,700 square feet, designed for family living and built with red brick, wood slats or brick covered in stucco.

Utah State historians will be available during the evening to speak to Holladay residents about the process and the criteria for applying to preserve an historic home on the National Historic Registry and the tax credits available for qualifying buildings. 

“Any interested person can research and nominate a property to the National Register,” said Cory Jensen. National Register coordinator. “The building must be at least 50 years old and must retain its historical integrity and be significant architecturally or historically or both. Historical integrity is based on how well the property reflects its period of significance. Properties nominated for architectural significance may not be important for how architectural they are but for how rare they are.”

For those individuals who are simply curious about their home’s past or looking for expert guidance on more technical aspects of preservation, Adrienne White, owner of House Genealogy, will be available to connect with guests, answer their questions and inspire curiosity about the incredible histories waiting to be uncovered in their own historic homes.

 “At House Genealogy, I specialize in uncovering the unique stories of historic homes and the people who inhabited them,” White said. “My services include comprehensive house histories that bring the past to life through engaging narratives. These histories can be tailored to each client’s unique needs and delivered as beautifully curated digital archive folders or elegantly designed coffee table books.”

A gallery of historical photos preserving a slice of Holladay’s past will be on display during the Monday Night Speaker Series event to transport guests back in time and offer a glimpse into the lives of the town residents, their homes and their community.  

Visit www.historicholladay.my.canva.site/#find-a-home May 1 for information and a map of the historical properties included in the Holladay Historic Building Tour.

The Monday Night Speaker Series, “An Architectural Travel Guide to Utah,” will be held at Holladay City Hall, 4580 S. 2300 East, in the Big Cottonwood Room, beginning at 7 p.m. λ