George and Lida Walker House, Holladay, Salt Lake County

The George & Lida Walker House in Holladay, Salt Lake County, was constructed in 1909. The property is locally significant under Criterion C in the Area of Architecture as the work of a master. The house is the only known surviving private residence in Utah identified as the work of noted Salt Lake City architect John Charles Craig (J.C. Craig). Craig is best known today for his work designing many of Salt Lake City’s signature early 20th century commercial buildings, apartment blocks, and hotels. Craig did design many houses in Utah, but all the architect’s other known residential properties are now gone. The Walker House water garden, featured in the prestigious 1913 publication, American Country Houses of Today, is the work of important Utah-based architect Alberto Treganza. While the grounds have evolved over their 110-year existence, many of the garden’s key features have been retained, and essential elements of Treganza’s design have been preserved. This garden is significant under Criterion C in the Area of Landscape Architecture as the work of a master. The garden is one of the best, if not the best, preserved landscapes designed by Alberto Treganza and is one of the best period Arts and Crafts-era landscapes in Utah. The house’s formal water garden was built between 1909-1913. Consequently, the period of significance extends from 1909, when the house was constructed, to 1913, when the garden was completed.