On the morning of August 24, University of Utah leaders joined Utah’s economic leaders, community members, and the media for the unveiling of the newly renovated Enos A. Wall Mansion and the revealing of its new name. To the excitement of the crowd, the covering that shrouded the building’s façade was removed revealing that the historic mansion had been renamed as the Thomas S. Monson Center, after the current president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and U alum.
The gathering was attended by many notable leaders who allocated resources and funds to the realization of the structure’s extensive transformation. The University of Utah gives heartfelt thanks to the donors who graciously contributed funds to the building’s renovation, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roger and Sara Boyer, Kem C. Gardner, Clark & Christine Ivory Foundation, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Zions Bank, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation, KSL Broadcast Group, Deseret News, and American Express.
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City at 411 East South Temple, the Thomas S. Monson Center will act as the hub of economic conversation and play a significant role in the implementation of essential economic policies throughout the entire Beehive State.
The mansion is the new home of the University of Utah’s center for applied economic policy research and the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, which helps business executives and community heads make informed decisions through well-researched economic, demographic, and public policy data. The institute is housed on the second floor, while the first floor has been restored to its original dining room and parlor and the third has been reestablished as a grand ballroom for community events.
The historic building will bring together economists, business leaders, civic authorities, and policymakers to discuss and solidify plans to solve issues relevant to Utah. It also will promote partnerships between academic scholars and the private sector on research and strategies to refine and enhance long-term economic policies. In addition, the center will be a gathering place for special community events, providing an opportunity for more people to enjoy and appreciate its history and elegance.
The beautiful 50,000-square-foot mansion was designed by noted architect Richard K. A. Kletting, who also designed the Utah State Capitol. Enos A. Wall purchased the property in 1904 and transformed it into a Renaissance villa. The LDS Church then purchased the home in 1961 and donated it to the University of Utah in 2014. The University of Utah is forever grateful to the donors and builders who made this significant renovation possible.