On Saturday, March 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker will host a second open house of the Fisher Mansion (1206 W. 200 South), inviting city residents to express how they’d like the city to use the west-side Victorian property adjoining the Jordan River Parkway.
Why so much interest in saving an old house?
The project preserves our city’s history in an ever-changing neighborhood. The Salt Lake Solutions process makes people feel included and genuinely values the opinions of the public, private and civic sectors. That’s why more than 1,500 people attended the first open house. Many of the attendees had grown up in the neighborhood and had never been inside the house. I think the community also welcomes the opportunity to create a destination in undiscovered corners of our city.
So what’s Salt Lake Solutions?
A type of public decision-making based on the principles of collaborative governance. Salt Lake Solutions projects involve the community, all levels of government, business and nonprofit organizations in solving problems.
Why should tax dollars be spent on Fisher Mansion to benefit just a small group of Jordan River enthusiasts?
It is not yet clear if tax dollars will be spent on this project. The great thing about this project is that it has the potential to become a true gem in our community and serve many different groups.
What are your favorite suggestions so far?
I was pleased that more than half of the ideas address preservation of the building and the grounds. Preservation of historic buildings has always been a passion of mine. I also have liked ideas about using the grounds for a teaching opportunity, especially for waterwise landscaping.
The funniest? That the home be used as the mayor’s mansion.
