Annual Park City Historic Preservation Award Presents Opportunity for Artists

History plays such an important role in our community’s character, charm, and allure. So much of what makes Park City unique  is the original historical structures stacked along Main Street, and the scattered mining cottages throughout the area.

 The Park City Historic Preservation Board (HPB) has made it their goal to maintain these precious reminders of our origins. On their website, they remind us that “long before Park City became a world class mountain resort and venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, it was a famous silver mining town, and boasts a lively and colorful past. Founded by prospectors in the late 1860’s, Park City continued to mine silver until the early 1970’s.” Each year they grant the Historic Preservation Award to celebrate the history and the incredible maintenance of one historical structure in Park City. This year, the Egyptian Theatre at 328 Main Street, was awarded the honor.

The Egyptian Theatre has been integral in celebrating culture, theatre, and performing arts in Park City for nearly a century. Originally, on the sight where the Egyptian Theater is now was the Dewey Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1899. It operated as the Dewey Theatre for over 20 years. When drastic renovations were needed, developers were inspired by the exploration of Egypt, and the unearthing of King Tut’s tomb. The Egyptian as we know it today, first opened its doors on Christmas day 1926. The building was remodeled in the 1950’s, but by the late 1980’s, the theatre had fallen into severe disrepair. Historic District Grant funds helped revive the building by restoring the ticket booth, replacing glazing details and grouting brick joints, and installing a custom-made marquee with an opaque, internally-illuminated sign board and neon accent lights.

The Egyptian Theatre has been maintained in this restored state since the 1990’s and has continued to be a place where talent from the around the world, and within our own community, can be enjoyed. Anya Grahn, Historic Preservation Planner for the Park City Planning Department comments that the Egyptian is “a wonderful example of Stewardship and Embodiment of Historical Context.”

The HPB commissions an art piece each year to honor the award winning preservation project. The artwork will be installed and publically displayed in the hallways of City Hall. The commission for the art piece shall not exceed $1,200.

Celebrate historical preservation in our community and submit a proposal by Friday, March 16, 2018 at 5pm MST. Details about the Request for Proposal (RFP) is available online here.