University of Utah Accepts Gift from LDS Church

Deseret News reported that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated the Wall Mansion to the University of Utah. The U of U graciously received this gift, along with its grounds and some of the surrounding buildings. Jason Perry, Vice President for government relations at the U of U, says he has big plans for this historic building.

“We have a strong connection to Salt Lake City and the rest of the state. So we want to use this building almost as an embassy, as a place where the community can meet, where the most important functions of the University of Utah can occur, where we can host diplomats and business leaders from around the globe in a place that feels stately and feels very much like the state of Utah itself.”

The mansion was built in 1912 and served as a house for Enos A. Wall—a copper miner. Later, the Church purchased the Wall Mansion in 1962 for the LDS Business College. With the building now belonging to the U of U, Perry informed the Deseret News that the university has a few renovations and remodeling in store—$7 million worth to be exact.

The university will remodel the west wing of the building into classrooms and meeting spaces, while it tears down the east wing. All renovations are funded by donations. Perry expects the remodeling to be completed by fall 2015.