Thirteen thousand dollars. That’s what it cost to build the Lollin Block back in 1894. A hefty sum then. Right here before you stands this remarkable three-story structure. It’s a testament to the vision of John Lollin. A Danish immigrant and pioneer. He wasn’t just any saloon keeper. He was a businessman with a dream. A dream that materialized in this beautiful building on South Main Street.
The Lollin Block is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a piece of Salt Lake City’s history. Architect Richard K Kletting designed it. He also designed the nearby Karrick Block. John Lollin was so impressed he commissioned Kletting to build this one too. The building boasts a Classical Revival style. Its plaster facade is scored to mimic the look of smooth cut stone. A clever illusion that adds to its elegance.
The Lollin family called the third floor home for years. John and Diantha Lollin lived there. Their son Carl lived there until 1960. Imagine family dinners. Imagine the laughter echoing through those rooms. It’s a personal history woven into the fabric of Salt Lake City. Downstairs the businesses changed over the years. The Davis Shoe Company occupied the first floor. Then a Hudson Bay Fur Company store took over. Later Music City and the G.E.M. Music Store filled the space. Each tenant adding its own chapter to the story of the Lollin Block.
Notice the denticulated cornice. The egg-and-dart window trim. These details are not just decorative. They show the level of craftsmanship and the architect’s skill. They speak to a time when buildings were built to last. To stand as symbols of ambition and success.
The Lollin Block’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 is well-deserved. It’s a reminder of the city’s rich past. It’s a beautiful building that continues to stand proud. It continues to tell its story to all who pass by. A story of ambition. A story of family. A story of Salt Lake City itself.