The Dinwoodey home at 2052 E. Arbor Lane has been added to Holladay’s Historic Designation List, making it the sixth property to be recognized as a Holladay Historic Site. Built in 1939 by Paul and Betty Dinwoodey, the home stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and character of the time.

Camille Pierce and Steve Glaser have owned the home for 34 years. They petitioned the Holladay City Council in September for the historic designation, stating the home has kept the integrity of its original architecture and preserves a piece of the city’s early history. 

“We are only the second homeowners between the Dinwoodeys and ourselves,” Pierce said. “As long as we live here, we’re committed to maintaining this home and yard…We’ve tried to keep everything original, to the best of our ability.”

First built as an English Colonial Revival house, the Dinwoodeys built a Mid-Century Modern ranch-style addition in 1956, considered an example of the “Garden Home” common in Holladay’s early years. Homes built in the area during this time were often getaways from the city, featuring dense landscapes near bodies of water. 

The property straddles Big Cottonwood Creek, which was a good fit for the Dinwoodeys, who were naturalists, gardeners and bird enthusiasts. Feeders were placed at every window so Betty could watch her favorite birds throughout the year. 

Pierce and Glaser have done a significant amount of upgrades to the home while maintaining its original structure. They’ve replaced the plumbing, mitigated radon, added seismic reinforcement, replaced the roof, repainted the outside of the home and made the home more energy efficient. While adding modern components, the owners have tried to keep the home’s original design intact. 

“The original upper story remains and the original white paint color and wooden shingles,” Pierce said. “Features reflected the times as closets were small due to people’s inability to afford material goods during The Great Depression. Many built-in closets, cupboards, pull-outs and shelves made more efficient use of available space.”

Kim Duffy, a member of the Holladay Historical Commission, applauded Pierce and Glaser for the work they’ve done to take care of the historical property. 

“It’s a piece of old Holladay that they have preserved so beautifully,” Duffy said. “Not only that, but they have been stewards of the land and of the creek that runs through there. They’ve just done an amazing job. I hope that the city of Holladay will reward people like them for doing this, and maybe encourage other people to do the same.”

City Councilmember Matt Durham thanked the couple for making the effort to preserve the home, which will now be listed on the city’s historic sites.

“I’m really grateful we have residents in our community who are committed to historic preservation involving their own property,” he said. “Our designation process is a voluntary process, and it takes people who care about the historic nature of their homes to make a listing like this happen. I really appreciate the owners for taking this step.”

Built by Paul and Betty Dinwoodey in 1939, the home located at 2052 E. Arbor Lane has been added to the Holladay Historic Designation List. (Photo courtesy of Holladay City)