OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — A downtown Ogden landmark is getting a new lease on life. Ogden City has officially acquired the historic U.S. Forest Service Building for $3.6 million, following its designation as “surplus” federal property.

The city approved the purchase in December 2023 and finalized the deal in early April. Although plans for the building are still taking shape, officials say its future aligns with Ogden’s growing arts scene.

A Piece of Ogden’s Architectural Heritage

Built in 1934, the Art Deco structure was originally used as the district headquarters for the U.S. Forest Service. It holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places — first as part of a larger group of Art Deco buildings in the 1980s, and later individually in 2006.

“This ensures that the building’s defining Art Deco elements and its connection to Ogden’s past remain intact while allowing for thoughtful adaptation that meets the needs of the Nine Rails Creative District,” said Brandy Strand, executive director of Preservation Utah, who called the acquisition “a major achievement.”

According to Sara Meess, economic development division director for the city, the building was designed by the same architects behind Ogden High and the Ogden Municipal Building — both recognized for their Art Deco style.

“It really is one of the best examples we have here in Utah of Art Deco architecture,” Meess said.

A Creative Vision for the Nine Rails District

Located in the heart of the Nine Rails Creative District — spanning from 24th to 26th Street between Grant and Madison Avenue — the building is poised to become a cornerstone of Ogden’s cultural renaissance.

“It’s really focused on using arts and culture to activate the area, engage with the community and help revitalize the area,” Meess said. “So given that the Forest Service building is in a key location for the Nine Rails District, we were definitely interested in seeing if it could be reused in a way that would support that.”

The city envisions the space as a dynamic hub for creatives, featuring affordable housing, live/work opportunities, and spaces for artistic collaboration like studios or performance venues.

“It’s exciting to bring this space back to life and transform its purpose as a place to foster creativity. As we build out the Nine Rails Creative District, the entire community will benefit from a thriving center for art, culture, and innovation,” said Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski.

Preserving the Past While Building the Future

The city is teaming up with Giv Group, a housing developer, to transform the former government building into a vibrant community space. While Ogden’s redevelopment agency is facilitating the project, long-term ownership will likely shift to the developer.

Preservation Utah will play a key role in safeguarding the building’s historic character throughout the redevelopment process.

“Preservation Utah … has done a ton of work to document the building and its historic features, and they’ll actually be holding an easement on the building that ensures that those historic features and the character of the building are protected for a long time to come,” Meess added.

More specific plans will be developed in the coming months as city officials, Preservation Utah, and Giv Group collaborate on the building’s future use.

Originally reported by Aubree Jennings in ABC 4 News.