Through a generous commitment by its new owners and the thoughtful design and careful physical restoration by Capitol Hill Construction, the William H. McIntyre Mansion in Salt Lake’s Avenues neighborhood is radiating a new vibrancy.
We are lucky to have so many interesting historical buildings in Utah. They make for interesting neighborhoods, tie us to the past and the area’s roots, evoke curiosity for how people once lived, and they remind us of the important role of beauty, workmanship, art, and aesthetics in home and building construction—something that can get lost in today’s cost-benefit analyses.
Set just east of the Capitol Building, this home has been a landmark in many couples’ lives as a location for weddings and receptions. Now, it has returned to again be a home for a family and to frame their memories. It’s an especially personal home because of the involvement of the homeowner as the designer for the interiors and as the one who personally selected all the furnishings and accessories. It is alive with care and attention.
It is only by looking at the before images that one can appreciate the depth and detail of Capitol Hill Construction’s efforts. The home is connected room-to-room and through the three floors by a consistency in the level of design, detailing, and lustrous woodwork. Much of the second floor and the entire third floor have been seamlessly recreated. Truly it is spectacular and a major work.
For the photographs, I had to enhance the natural lighting with care to not get too many reflections from the woodwork. The home’s chandeliers and unique light fixtures are an important part of the design, so I chose to photograph them illuminated and adjusted for color shift. Versus today’s open floorplans, this home consists of many separate rooms along great halls that connect to one another by pocket doors. A challenge was to show the connections without losing the experience of being in the room.
— Scot Zimmerman
