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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The prestigious Alta Club in Salt Lake is hosting French media representatives and other guests during the Winter Games, and is serving as the site where the French athletes will be interviewed following their events.
As Utahís oldest social club, the Alta Club has stood for more than 100 years as a center of Salt Lake Cityís social, cultural and political life. Its members have been some of the stateís most prominent citizens. And the club has served as a meeting place for many important groups, including legislative committees, womenís clubs, the Utah Westerners and the American College of Surgeons.
First founded as a menís club, the Alta Club was located in the old Alta Block, partly between Main and West Temple on Second South. It then moved to the Dooly Building, which has since been torn down, and finally its current location on the corner of State and South Temple.
It was first built as a three-story, 50-room, stone and brick building and cost $42,000ócertainly a considerable amount in the late 1800s. The style, which is still apparent today, is Italian Renaissance Revival and features arched doorways and windows and recessed and arcaded balconies.
Inside, the Alta Club has undergone several upgrades through the years, and recently (in preparation to host its Olympic guests) underwent a $4 million restoration project. The project included restorative work to some of the Clubís existing rooms, including the billiards room and library as well as 20 guest rooms on the third floor that hadnít been used in years. The new design inside highlights the Clubís lavish woodwork and stained glass windows.
These days, both men and women are members of the Alta Club. And it is not only a place to socialize, but a place to enjoy some of Salt Lakeís finest dining. The Alta Club is renowned for its fresh Atlantic salmon and black angus steak sandwiches. The Club also includes a fitness center and barbershop. And members can enjoy their Alta Club benefits at any one of a network of clubs in many major cities around the world because of a unique reciprocal relationship agreement.
Well during these Winter Games, Iím sure the Alta Club is showing its guests a wonderful time.
For Zions Bank, Iím Fred Ball. Iím speaking on business.
