Social club Edison House makes its mark on downtown Salt Lake City with a new building that’s as dynamic and diverse as the members it serves.
Moving through Salt Lake City’s buzzy downtown area—past the bustling restaurants, lively clubs and lofty living spaces—you’d be forgiven for not immediately noticing a new addition to the neighborhood. Recently built along 200 West and just a block east of Pioneer Park, is a modern, black steel-and-brick building designed with expansive windows overlooking its urban setting. What it doesn’t have is high-voltage signage or commercial come-ons. Instead, a polished metal E on the entry wall discreetly identifies the three-story structure as Edison House, the city’s newest social club created by brothers and Salt Lake natives Charlie Cardon and George Cardon-Bystry. The duo tapped HKS to design the structure and Okland Construction to build it.
“Edison House challenges the traditionally homogenous and exclusive social club typology by creating a diverse community that is welcoming and inclusive of all demographics,” HKS architect Emir Tursic explains. To express this architecturally, he and his team deconstructed the structure’s solid brick massing, reminiscent of vernacular warehouse architecture, and created an innovative façade that is open and welcoming. “It’s also contextual and contemporary,” he says. Club founder Cardon defines the exterior as chic and quietly confident. “It isn’t immediately eye-catching or flashy in any way, which reflects our identity as a private members club. But when you step back and look at it, it’s like ‘damn that’s a cool building.’”
That confidence continues inside the 30,000 square-foot clubhouse, but with more obvious swagger. Composed of three levels of high-style gathering spaces, Edison House was designed for a diverse and discerning membership that socializes, networks and enjoys amenities and activities throughout the day and evening. These occur in a uniquely elevated style, which the founders mapped out with the help of Avenue Interior Design in Los Angeles.
“We took our lead from the architecture,” says lead project designer MacKenzie Bergeron. “We wanted to embrace the industrial nature of the sophisticated brick structure, but elevate it a bit to make it more luxurious and sumptuous.”
A striking staircase anchors the interior, connecting the three levels as it winds around an elevator shaft theatrically clad in black ceramic tile enhanced by a skylight and an array of shimmering brass wall sconces.“Staircases can often be tedious, but we wanted to make this dramatic,” Bergeron explains. On each level, natural light floods the clubhouse, courtesy of broad banks of west-facing windows overlooking the street and urban views.
While a sense of high-style luxury defines the interior, unique decors differentiate the many inviting spaces. “We designed every room to be a different experience,” Cardon says. On the main level, for example, a traditional-leaning lounge welcomes members with its chevron-patterned wood floor, brass-accented ceiling lights and elegant sitting and work areas. Nearby, an open bar adorned with shimmering metals, antiqued mirrors and a canopy-like ceiling treatment sits between the open lounge and Society, the club’s restaurant overseen by chef Buzz Willey. Nearby, a smaller private dining room cocoons guests in dark paneling, colorful art and gold-velvet chairs. “There are so many moments in this building,” Bergeron explains. “Each space has its own identity and each is a jewel box.”
The second-level piano room is certainly a gem, with its plush velvet upholstered walls, leaf-patterned custom carpet, lux furnishings and a hand-painted vintage piano. “It’s my favorite space,” admits Cardon, who is an accomplished pianist and can sometimes be found tickling the ivories in the intimate gathering space. Similarly compelling, the nearby speakeasy is cloaked in dark moody gray and boasts a performance stage and retro bar. Hits of shimmering brass, tufted leathers, gold velvets and layered antique rugs foster the space’s decidedly cozy, clubby vibe.
To create the clubhouse’s primary social hub, the team of pros fashioned a sports bar-like space that anchors the second level. They outfitted it with a high, slatted wood ceiling, wrap-around bar, ceiling-mounted TVs and generous seating—from blue leather bar stools to brass-based swivels and laid-back lounge chairs. Patterned floor tiles and an exuberant wall mural by Hattas Studios amplify the lively space’s upbeat style.
The top floor greets members with panoramic views of the city skyline, enjoyed from a ballroom as well as a spacious terrace, sparkling pool and rooftop bar. Cushioned lounges, relaxed sling chairs and fabric-draped daybeds beckon members to indulge in outdoor bliss. Classic stripes, lively palm prints and a palette of saturated coral and teal tones drive the decor. “It’s very fresh and summery,” Bergeron says.
Photos by Scot Zimmerman.
For members, the clubhouse does exactly what its founders intended from the get-go. “It facilitates connections and community,” Cardon says. And it does this in spaces that are exciting and engaging, yet comfortably familiar. Bergeron explains, “We wanted guests to feel at home—a very luxe and high-end home. That’s Edison House.”
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