Memorial House: A Unique Local History

The area which now comprises Memory Grove Park was set aside as a city park in 1902. It wasn’t until the 1920s, however, that it was designated a memorial park to honor American soldiers. The women of the Salt Lake chapter of the Service Star Legion spearheaded this effort and are largely responsible for making the park the remarkable place that it is today.

Memorial House was originally constructed circa 1890 as a stable and equipment storage shed. In 1926, Salt Lake City leased the building to the Service Star Legion and prominent Salt Lake architects Hyrum Pope and Harold Burton were hired to design a new façade with Georgian style. The brick walls were covered with stucco, six rounded dormers were added to the roof, and the stable doors on the east wall were turned into elegant French doors.

Under the management of the Service Star Legion, Memorial House became a popular setting for weddings, receptions, and luncheons. Over the course of the century, new features were added to improve the venue’s versatility for events. The garden room addition was constructed in 1953, and the patio on the east side was added in 1974. Sadly, after the Legion's lease ended in 1984, the building stood vacant and unused for 10 years. Seeking a new home and hoping that Memorial House could once again play an active role in the community, Preservation Utah, a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, raised funds for the renovation of the building in cooperation with Salt Lake City Corporation. In July of 1994, Preservation Utah re-opened the doors of Memorial House for public use and has continued to operate the building as a meeting, event, and reception center ever since.

Join us in preserving Utah’s history!

Since 1994, Memorial House has been managed and operated by Preservation Utah, a nonprofit organization committed to preserving our state’s many noteworthy historic buildings. Proceeds from Memorial House’s rental fees go toward Preservation Utah's diverse array of non-profit programs, all with the mission to keep the past alive, not only for preservation, but to inspire and provoke a more creative present and sustainable future. By hosting your event at Memorial House, you are directly contributing to the preservation of impressive historic places such as Memorial House itself.

Memorial House has a great staff of event professionals who take pride in their work and truly care about their clients’ experiences. Together with our esteemed list of preferred caterers and vendors, we strive to make your event memorable and are committed to exceeding your expectations.

For more information about Preservation Utah, please visit preservationutah.org.

For further information about Memorial House, please email us at