Kearns Building - Unique cubic administration building for Egypt-Japan university of science and technology designed by the Japanese Architect Arata Isozaki
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Kearns Building

4.3
·35 reviews·Salt Lake City, United States

A stunning 1911 Sullivanesque building in downtown SLC, featuring intricate architectural details and a rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded, ideal for photos

CrowdLow
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Kearns Building - Unique cubic administration building for Egypt-Japan university of science and technology designed by the Japanese Architect Arata Isozaki

Kearns Building

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded, ideal for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning 1911 Sullivanesque building in downtown SLC, featuring intricate architectural details and a rich history.

4.3
(35 reviews)

"It's a beautiful old building. Lots of wood and marble."

Vertical photo
TIP

Look Up! :eyes:

The building's most striking features are its architectural details, especially the faces on the facade.

Parking Pointers :car:

Paid parking is available north of the building; street parking can be challenging.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sullivanesque Architecture

Sullivanesque Architecture

Admire the intricate details and ornate facade of this historic 1911 building. Look for the symbolic faces adorning its exterior.

TikTokInstagram
Michael Workman Painting

Michael Workman Painting

Interior lobby

Discover a spectacular painting of downtown Salt Lake City by artist Michael Workman, capturing the city's essence.

Instagram
The Square Coworking Space

The Square Coworking Space

Interior

Experience a unique coworking environment within the historic walls, offering a productive and inspiring workspace.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Look Up for Architectural Wonders

Don't just walk by the Kearns Building; look up! Its stunning Sullivanesque style features intricate details, including faces meant to represent Thomas Kearns' daughter. Appreciating this architectural gem requires a moment of upward gazing. TikTokInstagram

Navigating Downtown & Parking

While the Kearns Building is centrally located downtown, parking can be scarce. Paid parking is available north of the building, and some find navigating to specific businesses within can be a bit confusing. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Less crowded, ideal for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Lunchtime
Why
See local bustle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you seen the many faces that peer over downtown Salt Lake? Built in 1911, this Sullivanesque Style building, built for Thomas Kearns, is absolutely stunnning. #utahrealestate #utahhomes #utahrealtor #utah #realestate #saltlakecity #saltlakecity #realtor #utahhistory #saltlakehistory #historytok #utahliving #historytiktok #utahhomeforsale #realestateagent #historybuff #localutah #HistoryTime ...
@thebabsdelay
1.8K likes • 18.5K views

Look Up! :eyes:

The building's most striking features are its architectural details, especially the faces on the facade. TikTokInstagram

Parking Pointers :car:

Paid parking is available north of the building; street parking can be challenging. Reddit

Have you looked closely enough to see the many faces of the Kearns building? Built in 1911 for Thomas Kearns, this Sullivan esque style building in downtown Salt Lake City is absolutely gorgeous. Just don’t forget to look up and see the many faces that are meant to represent his daughter. #utahrealestate #utahhomes #utahrealtor #utah #realestate #saltlakecity #saltlakecity #realtor #utahhistory #...
thebabsdelay
1.9K likes • 36K views
Looking for a new coworking spot in Salt Lake City? ⬇️  📍 The Square is inside the historic Kearns building right in the heart of downtown. You can grab a day pass if you just need a change of scenery for the day, or sign up for a monthly membership for unlimited access. Amenities include: ☕ Daily breakfast, coffee, and snacks 🏋️‍♀️ Fitness center 💻 Communal spaces, dedicated desks, phone rooms,...
zee.travel
111 likes • 4.7K views

Interior Art :frame_photo:

Don't miss the impressive Michael Workman painting inside, a local artist's view of SLC. Instagram

Coworking Cool :computer:

Consider The Square for a unique coworking experience in a historic setting. Instagram+1

Working from bed? Too tempting. Coffee shops? Too loud. @TheSQGlobal? Just right. ☕️ ✨ Tucked in the historic Kearns Building, this space has officially become my happy place to get things done. From fast WiFi and natural light to cozy lounges and a real sense of community, it’s got everything I need to stay productive (and actually enjoy my workday). 🚀 If you’re in SLC, snag a FREE day pass on me...
leahinslc
178 likes • 9.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Look Up! :eyes:

The building's most striking features are its architectural details, especially the faces on the facade. TikTokInstagram

Parking Pointers :car:

Paid parking is available north of the building; street parking can be challenging. Reddit

Interior Art :frame_photo:

Don't miss the impressive Michael Workman painting inside, a local artist's view of SLC. Instagram

Coworking Cool :computer:

Consider The Square for a unique coworking experience in a historic setting. Instagram+1

Open Access :unlock:

The building is generally accessible to the public, but note there's no specific security. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(35 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Kearns Building for its beautiful, historic architecture and ornate details, noting the impressive wood and marble interiors. Some find navigating to specific businesses within the building a bit confusing and mention a lack of security. Overall, it's appreciated as a visually stunning piece of downtown Salt Lake City's heritage.

"A beautiful historic building, if I am not mistaken built by a man, who was the richest in the state ones. It is good to look at, unfortunately the occupants don't do much to capture its spirit."

Kerem Cantekin

"Downtown renovation at it's best! Swank elevators, but a bit confusing to find certain businesses. Parking is a bit scarce, but paid parking is available north of the building."

Steve

"It's a beautiful old building. Lots of wood and marble. But there is no security. Anyone can go in there."

Lorry Norton

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Ornate interior details
Impressive wood and marble

What People Dislike

Confusing internal navigation
Lack of security

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Kearns Building is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and light rail, with several stops nearby. If driving, be prepared for potential parking challenges. Reddit

Yes, paid parking is available north of the building. Street parking can be limited, so utilizing paid lots is often recommended for convenience. Reddit

Absolutely! If you're already in downtown Salt Lake City, the Kearns Building is a pleasant walk from many hotels and attractions. It's part of the vibrant urban landscape. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No ticket is required to enter the Kearns Building. It's a historic office building with public access to its common areas and lobby. Reddit

As an office building, the Kearns Building is typically open during standard business hours on weekdays. Access may be limited outside of these times. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter and explore the public spaces of the Kearns Building. Reddit

While the lobby and common areas are generally accessible, some businesses within may have limited weekend hours. It's best to check specific business hours if you have a particular destination inside. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find beautiful wood and marble finishes, a testament to its historic charm. Look for the stunning Michael Workman painting in the lobby and consider visiting 'The Square' coworking space. Instagram+1

The building has undergone renovations, including swank elevators, which should improve accessibility. However, as an older building, specific accessibility details may vary. Reddit

The Kearns Building is a prime example of Sullivanesque style architecture, characterized by its ornate detailing and strong vertical lines. TikTokInstagram

Official guided tours are not widely advertised. However, you can explore the public areas independently and appreciate its historical significance. Reddit

The Kearns Building houses various offices and businesses, including 'The Square' coworking space. Navigating to specific businesses might require a bit of orientation. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted in the public areas of the Kearns Building for personal use. Be mindful of any businesses you are photographing within. Instagram

The exterior facade, especially the intricate details and faces, is a prime photo opportunity. The lobby with its wood and marble finishes and the Michael Workman painting also make for great shots. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, the Michael Workman painting in the lobby is a highlight and is suitable for photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Kearns Building isn't a typical family attraction, curious kids might enjoy spotting the unique faces on the exterior, sparking imagination about who they represent. TikTokInstagram The spacious lobby with its wood and marble finishes can also be visually interesting. However, it's primarily an office building, so keeping children entertained for extended periods might be challenging. Consider it a brief stop during a downtown exploration.

💼 Business Travelers & Remote Workers

The Kearns Building offers a unique environment for business travelers and remote workers. 'The Square' coworking space provides a professional setting with essential amenities like fast Wi-Fi, coffee, and meeting areas. Instagram+1 Working from this historic location offers a more inspiring backdrop than a standard office or hotel room. The central downtown location also makes it convenient for accessing other business services.

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and architecture, the Kearns Building is a must-see. Its Sullivanesque style and the intricate details of its facade, including the symbolic faces, are a significant draw. TikTokInstagram Explore the lobby to appreciate the original wood and marble finishes and learn about its construction by one of Utah's wealthiest figures. Reddit It's a tangible piece of Salt Lake City's early 20th-century development.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Kearns Building, constructed in 1911, is a remarkable example of Sullivanesque style architecture. This style, pioneered by Louis Sullivan, is characterized by its ornate detailing, strong vertical emphasis, and often features decorative elements that are both organic and geometric. The building was commissioned by Thomas Kearns, who was one of the wealthiest men in Utah at the time. Its design reflects the prosperity and ambition of the era. TikTokInstagram

Pay close attention to the decorative terracotta facade and the symbolic faces that adorn its exterior. These faces are said to represent Kearns' daughter, adding a personal touch to the grand structure. The interior also boasts impressive wood and marble finishes, contributing to its historic grandeur. Reddit

While the building now houses offices, its historical and architectural merit remains a significant draw for visitors interested in Salt Lake City's past and its urban development. It stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural innovation and wealth. Reddit

The Square: A Modern Workspace in a Historic Gem

For those seeking a productive environment, The Square offers a unique coworking experience within the historic Kearns Building. This space provides a blend of modern amenities with the charm of a bygone era, making it an attractive option for remote workers and freelancers. Instagram+1

Amenities at The Square include daily breakfast, coffee, and snacks, a fitness center, and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. The coworking space offers both day passes for temporary use and monthly memberships for unlimited access, catering to various needs. The natural light and cozy lounges create an inviting atmosphere for getting work done. Instagram

Choosing The Square means not only having a functional workspace but also immersing yourself in the history and character of the Kearns Building. It's a perfect example of how historic structures can be revitalized to serve contemporary needs, offering a distinct alternative to standard office environments. Instagram

Art and History Within

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Kearns Building is home to notable artistic contributions. A particularly striking piece is a spectacular painting by local artist Michael Workman, depicting downtown Salt Lake City. This artwork offers a unique perspective on the city, seen through the eyes of an artist deeply connected to the area. Instagram

Visitors are encouraged to step inside and seek out this painting, which is celebrated for its beautiful details and its representation of the city's landscape. It adds another layer of cultural richness to the Kearns Building, complementing its historical significance. Instagram

The combination of impressive architecture and local art makes the Kearns Building a multifaceted destination, offering a glimpse into both the past and the present artistic spirit of Salt Lake City. Reddit

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