- Salt Lake City’s Historic Landmarks Commission approved a seven-story apartment project next to historic B’nai Israel Temple.
- The 113-unit complex will neighbor synagogue that was built in 1891.
- Salt Lake Art Museum moved into the historic building, and plans to open in 2026.
SALT LAKE CITY — A plan to build a seven-story, 113-unit apartment complex on the current lots next to and behind a historic Jewish temple near downtown now has the support of a key Salt Lake City committee.
The city’s Historic Landmarks Commission voted unanimously to approve recommendations by Salt Lake City planners to approve the project that would neighbor the 134-year-old B’nai Israeel Temple (249 S. 400 East) in Central City, with some conditions. It puts the project on track for future construction.
“I really like this whole premise,” said Historic Landmarks Commissioner Babs De Lay, before the vote. “I think the design is very complementary to this, so I’m pleased.”
The temple’s history
The project would not affect the B’nai Israel Temple, which was completed in 1891. Philip Meyer designed the building for the city’s growing Jewish community. Among other things, he was the nephew of Frederick Auerbach, cofounder of the Auerbach’s department store that rivaled ZCMI in the 19th and 20th centuries, and one of the first prominent Jewish residents in city history…