Now a nationally-recognized historic place, what does the future hold for Abravanel Hall?

SALT LAKE CITY — Abravanel Hall is now a nationally recognized historic place. That doesn’t outright protect the building Salt Lake County already plans to preserve. But it could introduce options to help the county reduce the cost of renovations if it finds the right partner.

Symphony Hall, as it was originally known when it opened in 1979, was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places this month, according to the National Park Service, which manages the register.

“This national designation helps show that Abravanel Hall is an important and historical part of our county’s cultural landscape,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said in a statement. “We are honored to continue our nearly 50-year stewardship of this historical venue for Salt Lake County residents.”

The designation marked the end of a fairly quick journey to get Abravanel Hall on the national register after its future suddenly came into question this year.

Salt Lake County officials ultimately vowed to preserve Abravanel Hall through a resolution last month. However, as that unfolded, Utah Symphony musicians hired Adrienne White. White founded the historic home research service House Genealogy. They wanted White to help them get the building on the national register.

Her report leaned heavily on the building’s revered acoustics. It was designed with help from Cyril Harris, a legendary figure in acoustics architecture. While most historic buildings or places must be at least 50 years old to land on the register, Abravanel Hall qualified under special criteria. The exception allows younger buildings on the register that have “exceptional importance.”

Please read the entire article and more from Carter Williams on KSL.com.