Masonry Magazine March 1977 Page. 7
Gleaming White Terra Cotta Architecture
Gleaming white terra cotta architecture of the Hotel Utah's 1910 section and of the recently completed new addition is a well-appointed classic revival with certain art nouveau touches. The hotel, originally designed in turn-of-the-century, "grand hotel" style, is a Salt Lake City landmark and a testament to enduring masonry construction.
The Enduring Elegance of Masonry
"It costs no more for the very finest" is the slogan of the prestigious Hotel Utah in Salt Lake City. Coincidentally, the finest construction materials-masonry products-were used in 1910 to build the hotel, and again recently for a major addition and restoration project.
Intricately involved in the work was mason contractor Earl Child, who is Utah state chairman for the MCAA. He has put the finishing touches on what is one of the largest terra cotta construction projects in North America in recent years. The job consisted of the 10-story addition to the Hotel Utah, and restoration of the 67-year old original portion of the terra cotta structure. Child describes his role in tackling the precedent-setting project as the "biggest challenge I've ever had in the masonry business."
Years ago it was common to build with terra cotta for its sturdy, gleaming-white walls and its ornamentation of sculptured, classifical configurations, large overhanging masonry.
Terra cotta is a clay masonry unit with burned-clay facing that makes it virtually impervious to changing climate and atmospheric conditions. It's also fire resistant and easily maintained. Like Victorian houses, however, terra cotta over the years became old fashioned and nearly faded from use. Of the many U.S. companies which formerly produced terra cotta, the only known remaining one is Gladding, McBean & Co. of Lincoln, Calif. The firm has been in operation since 1875, and for a 13-year period was affiliated with Interpace Corp.
Recycling Popular
With 1977 seeing a growing number of owners, architects, mason contractors and others involved in recycling, remodeling, adaptive use, and restoration of terra cotta.