War Veterans Memorial Building

In 1919 Park City’s newly-organized American Legion proposed to build a meeting hall in honor of Summit County’s World War I veterans.  Plans were drawn up, but had to be tabled when funding could not be found.  The project was reactivated in the mid-1930s when Summit County commissioners purchased this site, and approved a tax assessment of one mill to be allocated for the building.  Additionally, grant monies were obtained from the Work Progress Administration.  Park City civic leader Ed McPolin was instrumental in obtaining county support for this endeavor.

The cornerstone of the War Veterans Memorial Building  was laid in April, 1939; by January 1940 the building was completed and dedicated.  The structure’s design represents the Art Deco Style popular from 1925 to 1940.  Art Deco floral relief sculpture is featured on the central portion of the front facade, and is typical of the hard-edged relief ornamentation found around door and window openings of this building style.  The stopped, set back facade is also characteristic of the Art Deco style.

With its auditorium, lounge, kitchen and dining room, bowling alley, pool and game rooms, and meeting rooms, the building became  a significant part of Park City’s recreation and culture life.  Most recently the building has been headquarters for the Park City Recreation Department, and was base for community radio station KPCW until late 1984.  The Park City City Council held meetings here until 1982, and the building still provides facilities for nonprofit  and civic organizations.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Located on historic Park City Main Street in Park City, Utah.