Old Post Office Ogden

This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

You know, one of Utah's oldest and most interesting federal buildings is the Old Post Office Building in Ogden.

Its history begins back in the late 1800s at a time when relations between Utah and the U.S. government were a bit uneasy. The federal government had proposed putting a federal building in Ogden. But some citizens didn't like the idea. To argue, they cited the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, which reads in brief: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by itŠare reserved to the states respectfully, or to the people."

The Utah State Legislature considered whether the federal government should be allowed to build and own a federal building in Ogden. In 1905, a bill was introduced and debated in the House of Representatives. The bill passed, granting the federal government permission to build the Ogden Federal Building. However, the federal government had to grant state officials permission to enter the premises. The federal government accepted and construction of the building was completed in 1907.

For almost 70 years, the building served as a federal building, post office and courthouse. But in 1978, the property was declared surplus by the government and offered for sale through public biddings. Frank and Maralyn Johnson won the bid to purchase the land and building and completely renovated it.

Today, their investment in downtown Ogden is known as the "Old Post Office Building" and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Johnsons have completely renovated it, restoring its beauty and grandeur. The building now features some of the area's finest office space with roomy offices and high ceilings. If you're in the neighborhood, the Johnsons invite you to stop by and let them show you the unique aspects of this grand building.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.