The Maryland is one of the most famous condominium residences in Salt Lake. In 1912, architect Bernard Mecklenburg designed, built, and resided in the Maryland building. The original name, in fact, was The Mecklenburg Apartments, but anti-German sentiment during wartime ultimately led to a name change [side note: Mecklenburg also planned the east wing of the Holy Cross Hospital and oversaw the completion of The Cathedral of the Madeline].*

839 East South Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.

(from Preservation Utah’s walking tour)
Maryland Apartments
839 E. South Temple 1912, Bernard O. Mecklenburg, SLC

Bernard Mecklenburg designed, built, and lived in this building. In fact, it was originally named the Mecklenburg Apartments. Mecklenburg was born in Nebraska in 1878 and moved to Salt Lake City in 1900. A well-respected architect, he designed many homes, planned the east wing of Holy Cross Hospital, and oversaw the completion of The Cathedral of the Madeleine.

In 1917, Mecklenburg changed the name of his building to the Maryland Apartments. This change may have been the result of anti-German prejudice during World War I.

The exuberant, exaggerated ornamentation of this Neo-classical building gives it a heavy feel. The large cornice features modillion brackets above egg-and-dart and dentil moldings. The same details adorn the cornice of the two-story portico. The balustraded balconies are supported by oversize brackets. Also note the flat arches above the windows and the geometric capitals atop the pilasters dividing the bays.