Summit County landmarks face demolition risk

The Silver King Mine Headframe today. Photo: Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History // Donald Roll

Preservation Utah calls for action

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County’s historical architecture faces a precarious future, according to Preservation Utah, which has identified several local structures as some of the state’s most endangered. Among those listed are A-frames, the Byron T. Mitchell home, the Thaynes Headframe building, and the Silver King Headframe building and Mill.

Preservation Utah stresses the importance of safeguarding these structures, as they are at risk of demolition or collapse due to factors like neglect, development, and natural disasters. Advocates are concerned, especially with the potential for increased development spurred by events like a possible future Olympic Games in Park City.

The Byron T. Mitchell home, a brick structure built in 1897 by Mitchell, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Still, it has been vacant since the 1970s and faces threats from development.

In terms of mining heritage, the Thaynes and Silver King structures encapsulate both the mining and skiing histories of the area. The Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History (FOSMMH) group is actively seeking to stabilize and preserve these structures, with plans to continue these efforts over the coming years.

Donations and support from the community will be critical in ensuring these pieces of Summit County’s history are preserved for future generations. Those interested in contributing to these efforts can visit the FOSMMH website for more information.