Salt Lake City Union Pacific Depot

 The Salt Lake City Union Pacific Depot in downtown Salt Lake City is a historic building built in 1908-09. It was built jointly by San Pedro, Las Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, and the Oregon Short Line. Both later owned by Union Pacific. In1971 Amtrak took over passenger services at the station. But when Rio Grand joined, they moved all train service to their station, 3 blocks south. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For some reason, I never put together that it was attached to the Gateway Mall. I have been wanting to come check it out for a while, and it just never happened. But, after our adventure at the Museum of Illusions, my friend brought me over to explore. I am not sure if I want to count this as my official exploration of the neat historic building, but, I can say it is my first.

The building was donated to the State of Utah in 1989. In 1999 they subsequently sold it to the developer who built The Gateway which opened in 2001. In January 2006, part of the Union Pacific Depot was repurposed into restaurant and music venue known as the depot. In 2016, the Gateway was acquired by Oaktree Capital Management and Vestar. which announced plans in 2018 to open a hotel. Covid slowed that down a little bit.

The back, with some fun stained glass windows.

It was repurposed in 2024 and is now the lobby for the Asher Adams Autograph Collection Hotel. It opened in October 2024.

Old mural. It looks very similar to the murals in the State Capitol. This one is “Emigrants Entering Salt Lake Valley” by John MacQuarrie and August C Wocker in 1909. The 1847 date above it is when that occurred.

Another on the other side.

It looks like there is a little bar area on this side. Aside from the hotel lobby, the historic structure also contains restaurants, function rooms, and 13 luxury suites. There is also a new building behind it that contains 212 additional rooms. The hotel also has 2 bars.

As I understand it, the Depot is still here, but has been condensed into the north end of the building. I don’t go to many concerts anymore, but I am still kind of surprised none of the bands I would go see ever performed here.

Closer. This one is called “Driving The Golden Spike” by John MacQuarrie in 1909.

1869. Wow! It took me a minute to figure out what that was for, since it predates the building. but it is for the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in, 1869. So, it goes with the mural as well. I initially thought it was something more significant to the building.

The front side, with the old time zone clocks.

The building is sandstone in a French Second Empire style. It includes a terrazzo floor, and stained glass windows.

I had to dig a little bit, but I found a couple pictures I took back in 2022 of the outside.

Super neat building! I love the old Union Pacific logo.

Closer. Hah, it says The Gateway right on the front. Yet I still never connected it to it.

Here is an Google Maps screengrab from Jul 2025. It looks like they took The Gateway sign off.

Oct 2021 to compare. I wonder what they did with the sign.

Meh, quick little visit, but it was neat. I am sad I didn't get to see it before they repurposed it, but I am happy to see they are doing something with the neat old building. 10 out of 10 squirrels.

As for difficulty, it is pretty flat and easy DR2.

Dogs are not allowed, so be sure to leave Fido home.