The Officers' Club (Bldg. 649), built in 1875-76 during the tenure of post commander Colonel John E. Smith, originally served as the post headquarters at Camp Douglas. Constructed of native sandstone quarried from Red Butte Canyon, it was one of several "permanent" structures erected by Watson Brothers of Salt Lake City (with Army labor) during the military installation's 1873-76 rebuilding period. The Victorian Gothic structure on Fort Douglas Boulevard was later converted to the Officers' Club and today is being prepared, as an integral part of Fort Douglas Heritage Commons, to serve a variety of social and academic needs of University of Utah students and faculty.

    Artisans are working vigorously to return the historic building to its original architectural state. By restoring the structure's unique Gothic Revival elements - including finials, bargeboards, pendants, fanlights, and a distinctive cupola steeple - these restoration specialists play a key role in the effort to bring the Officers' Club back to life. As they work to revitalize the 126- year-old military hub's rustic exterior, they are also7 creating for new-millennium patrons an elegant, beautifully crafted interior.
Because sandstone was used in the 1875 construction of the building, Acting Quartermaster George W. Davis and stone masons James and  Joseph Watson were unable, in their modified use of a standard General Quartermaster design, to incorporate the distinctive poly-chromatic exterior finish that was a common feature of Victorian Gothic architecture. But the style was clearly incorporated in other ways. Gables, porches, and eaves contained massive, strong trim.  Trussed bargeboards, topped with  spiked finials on the ridges of steeply pitched gable roofs, terminated with  perforated octagon pendants at the lower ends. The result was a striking  architectural creation.

    After its completion in 1876, the U-shaped structure served not only as post headquarters but also as a band barracks for members of the 14th U.S.  Infantry Band. These musicians entertained fellow soldiers, officers, Salt Lake citizens, and visiting dignitaries (including U.S. Presidents Grant and  Hayes) at the nearby Post Bandstand, built the same year. The regimental band, one of many in a long line of Army brass ensembles that served at Fort Douglas, was stationed for seven event-filled years at the post headquarters building.  The edifice changed roles following the turn of the century, when in 1930 it was converted into a post office, library, chaplain's office, and bachelor officers' quarters. (Bldg. 32 became post and regimental headquarters). At the beginning of World War 11 the building was renovated, and in 1942 it was converted to the Officers' Club.  When in the mid-1950s the structure was again remodeled and its interior handsomely lined with dark wood paneling, frame additions enclosed the north- and southwest sides of the building, giving it a rectangular shape. For a half century thereafter, the Officers' Club was the social center of Fort  Douglas, hosting military socials, wedding receptions, and other popular  events.

    Today, the Officers' Club at Fort Douglas is being transformed again - this time into a state-of-the-art student and faculty gathering spot and conference facility at Fort Douglas Heritage Commons.  A generous grant from the George S. and Dolores Dore' Eccles Foundation is funding the restoration and renovation. A coffee shop, retail space, meeting rooms, television lounge, and other amenities are being incorporated into the facility, which is located strategically along the path connecting the lower University of Utah campus to Heritage Commons. When restoration is complete, the Officers' Club will carry on its long tradition as a gathering place for relaxation and enjoyment.

Copyright © 2001 All rights reserved.
Fort Douglas Military Museum Association
Revised: 10 November 2001.