Walker Center

Gazing up at the Walker Center, can you sense the echoes of Salt Lake City’s past? The Walker Center, originally the Walker Bank Building, has been a prominent fixture of the city skyline since 1912. It was once the tallest building between Chicago and San Francisco, a testament to the ambition of the Walker brothers. These four brothers, Samuel, Joseph, David, and Matthew, founded Walker Bank in 1859, building their financial empire alongside Salt Lake City’s own growth. The Walker Center itself became a hub of activity, housing not just the bank but also a variety of businesses. Imagine stepping into the basement and finding a bustling barbershop, a fragrant florist, and even a cigar store. The main floor, of course, was dedicated to the bank’s operations, while the upper floors provided office spaces. Designed by the St. Louis firm Eames and Young, the Walker Center showcases the Chicago school architectural style. It stands as a symbol of modernity and progress, a reflection of the city’s burgeoning ambition in the early 20th century. The Walker Center also boasts a unique feature: its 64-foot weather tower. Originally a radio tower installed in the 1940s, it later became a beloved local weather indicator. The tower’s lights shine with different colors to signal the forecast: blue for clear skies, flashing blue for clouds, red for rain, and flashing red for snow. Though removed for a time due to city ordinances, the tower was thankfully restored in 2008 and upgraded to LED lights in 2021. Now, besides displaying its usual weather forecast, it illuminates the city skyline with a vibrant spectrum of colors, celebrating holidays and special events. Today, the Walker Center continues to serve the city as a multi-use office building. It stands as a reminder of the Walker brothers’ legacy and Salt Lake City’s journey from a frontier settlement to a thriving metropolis. The Walker Center is more than just a building; it’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and progress.