The Springville City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city to purchase the former seminary building at 415 South 200 East for $400,000, city staff announced at the council meeting. The agreement requires $10,000 in earnest money within three days of signing and gives the city a 30-day due-diligence period.

The seminary building, part of the historic high school campus, was built in 1928 and dedicated in March 1929. City staff said the purchase includes a historic easement that covers only the buildings exterior; the interior is not restricted under the easement. The council was told the city already has approval to add an ADA entrance without altering the historic facade and that architects are exploring ramp locations that would avoid changing the building's principal character.

Emily, a city staff member presenting the proposal, said the church accepted the citys edits to the easement language and that preservation staff had reviewed the terms. "I feel comfortable with it," Emily said. She told the council the city intends to hire an independent building inspector during the due-diligence period to assess mechanical, electrical and structural conditions and will report findings back to the council before closing.

Council members asked whether use restrictions in the easement would limit the city's ability to use the building. Emily replied the edits made by city counsel and staff had produced language she and preservation staff found acceptable. One council member asked, "Do we know when the last time the church did any remodeling on the inside? Like, I'm just thinking pipes, electrical, HVAC, all of those things." The council was told the city does not have a date for the last interior remodel and will seek that information during inspections.

The council discussed the buildings historic significance and the potential for the property to meet municipal needs, given the city already owns nearby campus properties. Presenters noted architect Claude Ashworth designed the seminary and adjacent museum and gymnasium, making the site part of a distinctive historic cluster in Springville.

A motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-34, authorizing the purchase-sale agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was made and seconded. The roll-call portion of the vote recorded council members Mindy (yes), Mike (yes) and Logan Millsap (yes). The motion passed.

Under the terms described to the council, the purchase agreement sets a $400,000 price, $10,000 earnest money due within three days of execution, and a 30-day due-diligence period the city said it increased to allow staff to clarify property lines and finalize a legal description. Staff said they will return to the council with updates during the due-diligence window.

The council recessed to other business after the vote. No specifics about an interior renovation schedule, exact intended municipal uses for the seminary or an expected closing date were provided at the meeting.