Salt Lake City Mayor Mendenhall speaks at the ceremony dedicating a pedestrian bridge to Archie and Lois Archuleta. Photo Credit: Erin Mendenhall.
SALT LAKE CITY — After remaining unnamed since 2017, the Archie and Lois Archuleta Bridge was dedicated Friday.
The pedestrian bridge honors married couple Archie and Lois Archuleta who received a Key to the City in 2018.
The Archuletas have been celebrated for their work with education, social justice and community mentorship. In addition to this, they are known for advocacy work in support of individuals experiencing homelessness, women and the LGBTQ+ community.
Family members of the Archlutes, community leaders and city officials were all in attendance at Friday’s commemoration.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said it was an honor to recognize the Archuletas in this way, calling them “giants in our city.”
“From advocating for Latino-Chicano residents to being leaders in education, to their work championing equity and justice, the Archuletas embody the kind of community-building that makes Salt Lake City so wonderful,” Mayor Mendenhall said.
Archie passed away in 2019, but Lois was there to except the award for both of them.
“Archie was a great asset to our community and I think the naming of the bridge is very special,” said Lois Archuleta. “[He] was a very humble man and when he received awards, he always replied that it was everyone contributing to make it happen and not just one person. Thank you on behalf of my wonderful family.”
A sign with the bridge’s name will soon be attached to a beam on the bridge. It will feature both English and Spanish labeling.
The Archie and Lois Archluta Bridge can be seen running from 200 South to North Temple along the Jordan River.