Salt Lake City’s Sugar House – A Locals’ Guide

Where is Sugar House in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City’s Sugar House offers the best of urban living. It’s that cool neighborhood where you really relax, just be you – you know? Urban living is characterized by a dense population of people in a concentrated geographic area. Some people love a lifestyle where they can go grocery shopping, out to lunch, to the spa, and to browse a favorite bookstore in one afternoon on foot. With banking services, health services, and professional offices, an urban center can be as close-knit (or as anonymous as you want).

All of those physical attributes are part of the urban experience, but there’s really more to it than that; urban life is a conscious decision to co-exist with others in a sustainable, highly-populated environment. The environment is made even more sustainable by the conscious acts of residents to recycle and reduce light, noise, and air pollution. Many choose to walk or ride a bike instead of driving a car, grow vegetables, and support local businesses that offer clean, fresh, organic foods. There tends to be a real spirit of community in urban centers because they are often self-sustaining; yet, they require a certain level of cooperation from residents to maintain a steady pulse. Sugar House offers all of this on tree-lined streets and a commercial center dotted with mom-and-pop shops and anchored by a few big box stores that know their urban clientele well. The homes in Sugar House, Salt Lake City, are a mesmerizing mix of brick Tudors, historic Victorian mansions, stick-built bungalows, and sleek, modern condominiums.

Sugar House is generally located east and south of Downtown Salt Lake City. The neighborhood is roughly bordered by 1700 South, 2700 South, 700 East, and 2000 East.

Neighborhood named after a sugar beet test plant

In the mid-19th century, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) established a sugar beet test factory in the area of present-day Sugar House. The industrious people intended to grow their own beets and make sugar locally. The mission failed, but the name “Sugar House” stuck!

In the late 1800s, Sugar House evolved into a bustling commercial and residential district. Over the years, the neighborhood has experienced transformations, including the development of the Sugar House Shopping Center in the 1960s, which turned it into a shopping hub. The neighborhood has also witnessed cultural shifts, evolving into a vibrant, trendy area.

The iconic Sugar House Park, originally a fairground, was donated to the city in 1930 and has since become a beloved recreational spot.

5 reasons Sugar House Park is a local favorite

Sugar House Park is more of an experience than a green space. Following are five reasons this Utah recreation space has survived the test of time.

1. Scenic Beauty: Sugar House Park is a picturesque oasis. Its expansive, lush green spaces, dotted with stately trees and a large pond, create a serene environment. The park’s beauty is particularly striking during the spring and fall seasons when the foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors.
2. Recreational Haven: The park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into jogging, picnicking, flying kites, playing sports, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, Sugar House Park has something for everyone. Its open fields and well-maintained paths make it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Wildlife Watching: Nature lovers appreciate the diverse wildlife that calls the park home. Ducks and geese frequent the pond, and it’s not uncommon to spot rabbits, squirrels, and various bird species throughout the park. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat adds a delightful touch to any visit.
4. Events and Festivals: Sugar House Park is a hub of activity throughout the year. It hosts events, festivals, music concerts and so much more! There’s always something exciting happening here. It’s a community gathering place that fosters a strong sense of togetherness in a culture hip on diversity!
5. Historical Charm: Steeped in history, the park’s origins trace back to the early 20th century when it was a fairground. The remnants of this history, including the old Deseret Industries building, add a unique charm to the park. Exploring the park’s history while enjoying its modern amenities creates a sweet blend of nostalgia and contemporary leisure.

Thinking about making Sugar House your new home?

If you are looking for a nostalgic place to call home (with a super future flare), Salt Lake City’s Sugar House might be just what you’re looking for. This microcosm of the metropolitan city is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the country. Yet, it’s not an island. When you want to, jump in your car and you can be right smack downtown in 15 minutes. If you can’t, or don’t want to drive, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) offers many public transportation options:

1. Commuter trains, called FrontRunner, slide from Ogden to Provo, with limited stops along the way.
2. Light-rail lines, called TRAX, make getting downtown from across the valley quick and easy.
3. Buses provide connecting service at many of the TRAX and FrontRunner stations to get you almost anywhere in the Greater Salt Lake Area. There is even a connecting bus route to Utah’s world-class ski resort, Park City. During ski season, UTA provides bus rides up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons to Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude ski resorts.

The Salt Lake International Airport is less than 20 minutes from Sugar House, and Interstate-15, Interstate-215, and Interstate-80 are easy to access.

What kind of homes will I find in Sugar House?

The houses in Sugar House are a mesmerizing mix of brick Tudors, Victorian mansions, bungalows, and modern condos.

Sugar House is surrounded by other culturally significant neighborhoods such as Liberty-Wells, Harvard-Yale, the Foothills, and Sunnyside Ave, and quaint commercial centers such as 9th and 9th, and 15th and 15th.

Like those communities, it boasts a rich history and diverse architectural styles. Here are some of the architectural styles you may find here (no stress, there won’t be a test):

1. Victorian Era Styles:
   • Victorian Gothic: Characterized by pointed arches, intricate tracery, and decorative details like gingerbread trim.
   • Queen Anne: Known for asymmetrical designs, steep roofs, and ornate details like bay windows and turrets.
2. Craftsman Bungalow:
   • Recognizable by its low-pitched rooflines with exposed rafters, overhanging eaves, and extensive use of natural materials like wood and stone.
3. Colonial Revival:
   • Inspired by early American colonial architecture, often featuring symmetrical designs, red brick exteriors, and white columns.
4. Tudor Revival:
   • Known for its steeply pitched roofs, half-timbered detailing, and decorative brickwork. Often evokes a medieval English cottage feel.
5. Spanish Colonial Revival:
   • Features stucco exteriors, red-tiled roofs, arched doorways, and wrought iron details. Draws inspiration from Spanish and Mexican architecture.
6. Mid-Century Modern:
   • Characterized by clean lines, large windows, and open floor plans. Often incorporates elements of nature and has a focus on functionality.
7. Ranch Style:
   • Single-story homes with a low, horizontal profile, open floor plans, and a connection to the outdoors. Common in the post-World War II era.
8. Contemporary and Modern:
   • Contemporary: Emphasizes simplicity and clean lines. May use a variety of materials, including glass and steel.
   • Modern: Characterized by minimalism, large windows, flat planes, and an integration of technology and design.
9. Prairie Style:
   • Features horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with overhanging eaves, and an emphasis on the horizontal plane.
10. Mediterranean Revival:
    • Inspired by Mediterranean architecture with stucco exteriors, red-tiled roofs, and arched doorways. Often includes wrought iron details.
11. Cottage Style:
    • Small, cozy homes with steeply pitched roofs, gabled facades, and a quaint, cottage-like appearance.
12. Art Deco:
    • Characterized by geometric shapes, sleek lines, and decorative elements. Commonly found in commercial and apartment buildings.
13. Postmodern:
    • Known for its eclectic mix of architectural elements and styles, often incorporating humor and irony.
14. Industrial/Loft:
    • Features open spaces, exposed brick, concrete floors, and large windows. Originally industrial spaces were converted into residential use.
15. Adaptive Reuse:
    • Not a specific style but a trend in repurposing older buildings for new uses, often preserving their historic architectural elements.

Sugar House’s architectural diversity reflects its history and the changing tastes of its residents over the years. You’ll likely encounter a mix of these styles as you explore the neighborhood, providing a fascinating glimpse into its architectural evolution.

Shopping gets personal in this SLC neighborhood

If you lived here, you could get to one of two banks/credit unions in minutes. Looking for a peaceful reprieve? There are three coffee and tea shops here. Hungry, choose from one of nine local restaurants and cafes. Nightlife? Oh, there’s a nightlife here! Hit any one (or all) of the seven pubs and bars in Sugar House.

While there are some big-box stores here, many of the 11 retail and gift stores feature original, handmade gifts. You might find the perfect embellishment for your kitchen chicken collection. Maybe there is a sweet doll dressed in lace for your new grandbaby. You are likely to spend many enchanting hours wandering through the carefully curated collections displayed by fun and friendly shopkeepers.

Linger in the bookstore, meander through the thrift shops, take a yoga class, get a new hairstyle, massage, manicure! Visit any one of the seven spaces dedicated to health and wellness. Looking for a little culture? Take in the art gallery or a live music show during one of the community’s many outdoor events.

If clean eating is a priority to you, visit The Neighborhood Hive Locals Market at 2065 E 2100 S. Salt Lake City, UT 84109. This daily market offers goods and food products produced by local businesses. It features fresh coffee, coolers stocked with delicious food, fresh bread, and more.

Here you will find animal care services, banks credit unions, and so much more (practically right outside your own front door if you live here).

Following are a few of the restaurants recommended online by the Sugar House Chamber and Community Alliance:

Fiddler’s Elbow
1063 E 2100 S #2349, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA
Bustling sports bar with multiple pool tables, HDTVs, elevated pub grub & a rustic vibe.

Trolly Wing Company
2148 S 900 E #5, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA
Urban fixture with twice-baked wings & many sauces, plus a pool table, TVs showing sports & a patio.

The iconic Sugar House Park, originally a fairground, was donated to the city in 1930 and has since become a beloved recreational spot.

Dining in this hood is to die for

Following are a few of the restaurants recommended online by the Sugar House Chamber and Community Alliance:

Fiddler’s Elbow
1063 E 2100 S #2349, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Bustling sports bar with multiple pool tables, HDTVs, elevated pub grub & a rustic vibe.

Trolly Wing Company
2148 S 900 E #5, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Urban fixture with twice-baked wings & many sauces, plus a pool table, TVs showing sports & a patio.

Wasatch Brewery
2110 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Brewery

Hopkins Brewing Company
1048 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Low-key, brick-lined brewpub serving house craft brews, tasting flights & international pub grub.

Sugar House Coffee
2011 1100 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Sugar House Coffee is the perfect place to swap stories with old friends and new friends.

Teazanti
1944 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Craft Tea Cafe

Pizza Volta
1080 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, 84106
A casual, family-friendly restaurant serving delicious pizza, wine, local beers, and craft cocktails.

The Old Dutch Store
2696 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, 84106
Dutch, German, and Scandinavian import store with housemade delicacies.

Chip Cookies
2180 S 700 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Gourmet cookies, fresh cookie dough, and cold drinks