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Through
a University President appointed task force, it was determined
that the best “re-use” of Fort Douglas would
be to reintroduce its long-standing function as a residential village,
and that the best location for the University’s student
housing and
the new guesthouse
would be within the area of Fort Douglas. The philosophy guiding
site planning was to weave new construction into the historic fabric of
Fort Douglas thus expanding on the Fort’s existing “neighborhoods” of residences
surrounding community buildings and open spaces. |
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studies of the Fort Douglas site were conducted during programming
and master site planning to develop design guidelines for the new buildings
so they would not compete with the historic buildings. The University
of Utah’s intent and dedication was to have the new construction be another
element of Fort Douglas, being part of a whole that will continue to function
as the village it has always been. |
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During
this planning process, Salt Lake City was selected as the host
city for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
As a result, a new layer was added to the consideration of new student
housing and the long-range plan for the University of Utah. Fort
Douglas and the new student housing were to serve for a short time as the
Athlete’s Village for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Approximately
four thousand athletes, trainers, and officials were housed from January
9 to March 4. The Sage Point neighborhood continued to serve as the
Paralympic Village from March 4 to March 26. |
There
have been many questions about the future of the existing historic
buildings at Fort Douglas. The University is upgrading and restoring
all the historic buildings as funds become available. For example,
all of the 1950s wrought iron is being replaced with historically appropriate
wood elements. Many buildings, such as the Officers Circle duplexes,
have already received this treatment. In addition to housing, the
historic buildings will be used for student support spaces that enhance
the academic experience of all university students with emphasis being
placed on the programs and needs associated with the students housed at
Fort Douglas.
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| The
assistance and support of the Division of State History
and their Office of Historic Preservation, the National Trust for Historic
Preservation, the Utah Heritage Foundation, and other university and community
groups are a key element to maintaining and restoring the historic qualities
and unique environment of Fort Douglas. |
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