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Commission forwards Sampson and Altadena condominiums for local landmark designation
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council designate the Sampson and Altadena apartment buildings (built c.1906) as a local historic landmark, citing architectural integrity and prior National Register listing.
The Salt Lake City Planning Commission on July 23 voted unanimously to forward a recommendation to City Council to designate the Sampson and Altadena apartment buildings at the southwest corner of 300 South and 300 East as a local landmark site. Staff recommended the designation and noted the buildings are already listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2009) and retain strong neoclassical architectural features and integrity.
Why it matters: local landmark designation offers additional protections beyond the National Register, such as local review standards and building-stepback rules intended to protect historic structures from nearby high-rise redevelopment and to limit potential demolition risks.
Background and rationale - Period of significance and architecture: staff reported the period of significance as 1906–1945 and said architect/builder August Rudine’s neoclassical detailing, brick-and-stone masonry and deep porches remain well preserved. Staff recommended that the site meets the city’s local-landmark criteria and that a map amendment standard is satisfied. - Owners and stewardship: the petition was filed by the Sampson Altadena Condominiums Homeowners Association. HOA officers and residents described investments to maintain and restore the buildings since condominium conversion, and cited original windows, repaired sandstone, and restored railings as examples of stewardship. - Public comment: neighbors and representatives from the Central City neighborhood council testified in support, highlighting the buildings’ role in neighborhood identity and the need for local protections to guard against demolition or insensitive development. Central City neighborhood council testimony emphasized local protections that require new development to step back from historic roof lines and reduce vibration and construction risk to sandstone foundations.
Commission action: Commissioners voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to City Council. The item will now go to City Council for final action under the city’s local landmark designation process.
