Preservation Utah is excited to kick off the Rose Park Homes Tour with a special lecture on the history of the Rose Park neighborhood.

Development of Rose Park began in 1947, marking a pivotal moment in Salt Lake City’s urban growth. Four independent contractors led the project, creating one of the city’s largest concentrations of affordable postwar housing. These modest brick-and-frame homes were specifically designed to meet Federal Housing Administration loan requirements, offering returning veterans an accessible path to homeownership.

What sets Rose Park apart is its thoughtful, community-centered planning. Departing from the city’s traditional grid, the neighborhood’s streets were reimagined as curving, flower-like roads, reflecting the neighborhood’s namesake. Each street was even named after a popular rose variety of the time, adding a layer of charm and cohesion to the area. This design softened the repetition of the modest homes and helped create a sense of place within the community.

Rose Park remains a living symbol of postwar suburban development and reflects Salt Lake City’s architectural and historical evolution. Join us to explore the rich legacy of this vibrant neighborhood and discover its role in shaping suburban life in the postwar era.