Ogden Stockyards (Ogden, Utah)

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“Designed by prominent architect Leslie S. Hodgson, constructed in the winter of 1930 and opened in 1931, the Ogden Union Stockyard Exchange Building was meant to showcase the influence the Ogden Union Stockyards had on the livestock industry. The building, which is located at 600 Exchange Road in Ogden, Utah, is set within a larger complex that was once used for the Ogden Union Stock Yards.

The 9,588 square foot building is a two story central block with two projecting wings and horizontal massing with vertical divisions. The structure has a full basement and is constructed using reinforced concrete post and beam frame with concrete block. The exterior consists of a brick veneer, cast concrete and terracotta. The exterior design exhibits an Art Deco architectural style with geometric fluted capitals along the parapet above each brick pilaster. Just below the geometric fluting are cast concrete figures of livestock heads, consisting of bulls, hogs and sheep.. Other patterns found on the exterior include six-over-six double hung windows, horizontal and vertical relief in the form of brick work, horizontal concrete lentils, and a two- story entryway with arched windows. The exterior of the structure has retained its historic integrity consistent with the original Art-Deco Design.

The interior has a two-story entryway decorated in Art Deco ornamentation, such as geometric style patterns found on the ceiling and pillars. The interior layout consists of office space, restrooms and storage area. The basement consists of a wood shop, office space, storage and utility room. The design throughout the rest of the structure is simplistic with original dark stained wood molding, chair molding and crown molding. The majority of the doors throughout the building are original dark stained wood with transom windows. The Exchange building is found to be contributing in regard to its historic architectural integrity. This structure, along with Ogden High, the Ogden Municipal Building and the United States Forest Service Building in Ogden are Hodgson’s Art deco Masterpieces.

The Ogden Union Stockyard Exchange Building, constructed in 1931, is locally significant under Criteria A in the areas of Agriculture and Commerce, for its association with the economic success of Ogden in the livestock industry. Ogden is known for the contribution it made to the rail industry, yet it should also be known for the important contribution it made in the area of livestock trade, particularly between the years 1920 and 1960. After 1960, Ogden began losing its strength as being the top shipping center for cattle, as more slaughter houses were moving closer to where cattle were being raised. Construction of the building began in September of 1930 and was completed in 1931. The Exchange Building was used for many years as the offices of the Ogden Union Stockyards and many other agricultural businesses. When the stockyards were no longer used for livestock the Exchange Building was adapted for use as a trade school, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and, within the last few years, a haunted house attraction. The period of significance dates from the original construction of 1931, to 1965, the end of the historic era.

600 Exchange Road, Ogden, UT 84401

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