ALL NEWS

Historic buildings in Utah damaged by earthquake could be saved

Mar 20, 2020, 8:55 PM

Historic buildings Utah FEMA earthquake...

A building on Magna's historic Main Street was one of many damaged in this week's earthquake. But the good news is it could be rebuilt. (Photo: Utah State History Facebook page)

(Photo: Utah State History Facebook page)

MAGNA– The view on Main Street in Magna is depressing for some, with many of its historic buildings damaged during this week’s earthquake. However, there’s a chance those structures will be saved.

Utah’s State Historic Preservation Officer Chris Merritt and his team surveyed many of the damaged buildings in Magna and Salt Lake City on Friday. He’s cautiously optimistic the buildings can be fixed.

Merritt said the people he spoke with are happy to hear that news.

“That crack, that structural failure is repairable. We always say, ‘Rehab before demo.’ We’re just trying to get that message out, but we needed the data,” Merritt said.

Merritt was inside the historic Rio Grande terminal in downtown Salt Lake City during Wednesday’s earthquake. Photos of the damage to the building were posted on social media, but he’s hopeful most of that damage is also cosmetic, not structural.

Merritt said many of the buildings that were damaged were like the Rio Grande: older, not reinforced, and at least two stories tall.

And the damage is mostly minor, like cracks or bricks missing from chimneys.

But even if part of the structure toppled over, it still might be salvageable.

“Nothing we’ve seen is saying that the building’s a loss. Everything just needs some help,” Merritt said.

Merritt says initial conversations with city leaders are also encouraging, as they signaled support for keeping the historic buildings.

He’s also reminding property owners to look into state and federal tax credits that could help them rebuild.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Historic buildings in Utah damaged by earthquake could be saved