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Senate Approves Devereaux Mansion Resolution after Amendment Fails
Summary
The Senate passed SCR 3, a resolution to preserve the Devereaux Mansion and consider state involvement; an amendment to change references from 'use' to 'control' failed on the floor after debate about leasing and preservation.
The Utah Senate approved SCR 3, a resolution concerning preservation and state oversight of the historic Devereaux Mansion in Salt Lake City, after rejecting an amendment that would have replaced the word "use" with "control" in key lines of the resolution.
Senator Evans proposed the amendment, saying she wanted the state to retain options—including commercial arrangements—that could generate revenue and preserve the building. She argued the word "control" would allow consideration of broader options: "I just would be chagrined if they turned it into an office building ... I want to see all options explored in use of the building including those that could return a profit to the state," she said.
Senator Julander, sponsor of the resolution, opposed the amendment, arguing the state already effectively controls the property and the resolution is intended to direct state officials toward state‑level uses and preservation; she said the mansion has been restored but some furnishings and the interior have been altered by prior lessees.
After floor discussion the amendment was put to a voice vote and the presiding officer ruled it failed. The Senate then moved to final passage of SCR 3; the clerk recorded ayes and the resolution will be sent to the House for consideration and enrolling.
The debate highlighted competing priorities: preserving a historic state asset versus leaving flexible options (including revenue generation) on the table. The resolution directs state officials to consider how the state might resume an appropriate role in the mansion’s future.
