Historic land transfer between University of Utah and U.S. Army finalized

SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday, August 19, the University of Utah and U.S. Army Reserve announced a large land transfer agreement. The transfer will see the university trade land adjacent to Camp Williams for the last 50 acres of Fort Douglas.

“This land transfer is a testament to the strong relationship between the University of Utah, our elected leaders, the Utah National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve,” said Taylor Randall, University of Utah president.

Fort Douglas, originally established in 1862, has had a lengthy history with the University of Utah. Much of the university’s present day campus was once part of Fort Douglas. A 60 acre land transfer in 1898 provided the university with its first permanent home. Since then, more than 1,500 acres have been transferred from the fort to the university.

As military activity and training eventually shifted over to Camp Williams, Fort Douglas saw declining use. It officially closed in 1991, but one facility remained active on the parcel of land now moving to the University of Utah.

Meanwhile, the University of Utah will use state funding to build a $100 million facility to serve as headquarters for the Army Reserve at Camp Williams. The transfer will allow both organizations to consolidate their land holdings and establish new facilities.

The deal involved not only the parties trading land, but also the Utah State Legislature, the Utah Governor’s Office, and the United States Congress. 

“Utah is proud to lead the nation in supporting our military,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

Camp Williams hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday to formalize the deal and prepare for the new facility.

The facility is planned to open in the spring of 2026, with a full relocation of the Army Reserve expected to take four or more years to complete.

Related: University of Utah expands meal plans to all students