University of Utah Circle, Historical district at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.
University of Utah Circle, also called Presidents Circle, is a historic district on the university's east-bench campus in Salt Lake City. Eight buildings named after former university presidents line the circle, among them the 1901 Alfred Emery, John Widtsoe and LeRoy Cowles Buildings and the 1902 James Talmage Building, all designed by Richard K.A. Kletting. The Park Building (1914), Kingsbury Hall (1930), David P. Gardner Hall (1931) and the George Thomas Building (1935) complete the group.
The district gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, validating its importance in American educational architecture. Its circular layout developed during the university's early growth after relocating from the city center.
All eight buildings carry the names of former University of Utah presidents, among them John R. Park, Joseph T. Kingsbury and Alfred C. Emery. Kingsbury Hall, opened in 1930, saw Ballet West and Utah Opera begin there. The LeRoy Cowles Building lobby holds "Extended Vision", etched and screenprinted plates on mathematical theories by artist Anna Campbell Bliss, installed between 2001 and 2003.
The circle sits centrally on campus and is easily reached by foot through main pathways and entry points. Visitors can explore the buildings and surrounding grounds at any time since it functions as an open academic space.
The four original buildings on the circle — the Widtsoe, Cowles, Emery and Talmage buildings — were all designed by architect Richard K.A. Kletting and date from 1901–1902. The Emery Building was not the first structure; it was built to house the normal school and only received its present name in 1980.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,291 contributors worldwide.