Stop 18: David Keith Building

David Keith Building

256 South Main Street

It’s hard to miss this building with the large “David Keith” carved in stone near the top of the middle section. Constructed in 1902 and centered at that time in Salt Lake City’s primary commercial district, this three-story brick and Kyune sandstone-faced building was designed for the Keith-O’Brien department store.

In 1892, together with his good friend, Thomas Kearns, one of Utah’s leading mining figures, David Keith developed the Silver King mine in Park City which produced over $10 million in lead, silver, and gold. David Keith was also president of numerous banks, railroads, and clubs and a member of the legislature that adopted the Utah Constitution.

Restored in 1994, this building’s original smooth-textured stone appearance remains on the upper two floors while the main floor has undergone major alterations.

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