Salt Lake City’s architectural scene has a rare jewel that continues to captivate onlookers—the Siegel House, a modern masterpiece designed by renowned architect John Sugden in 1962. Recently undergoing a meticulous renovation, the home’s subtle elegance and thoughtful craftsmanship have made it one of the most talked-about properties in the area.
Sugden, who studied under the legendary Mies van der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology, is widely regarded as an architectural icon. His work in the early 1960s brought the refined minimalist style of Mies to Salt Lake City, starting with a house he built for his mother in Millcreek. The Siegel House, one of just a handful of Sugden-designed homes, reflects his deep commitment to modernism.
During the renovation, the home was carefully restored while maintaining its architectural integrity. The seller, mindful of Sugden’s original vision, focused on enhancing the home without compromising its timeless design. Every choice, from the materials used to the updates made, was guided by a few key questions: How does this honor Sugden’s design? How can it be improved? What would Sugden have done with today’s resources?
The house’s standout features include a U.S. Steel frame wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass, an innovation for its time, and smokey gray glass eyelids that crown the upper portion of the home. These eyelids not only protect the interior from the sun but also help maintain the clarity of the glass. Sugden was the first architect to incorporate this distinctive design element, making it a hallmark of his work.
Inside, the public spaces feature original terrazzo flooring, while the bedrooms boast luxurious wool carpeting. The kitchen maintains its original St. Charles cabinets, carefully restored, while new fixtures and walnut cabinetry have been added to provide modern functionality. Updates to the bathrooms include sleek new appliances and countertops, balancing both aesthetic beauty and modern living needs.
The home’s exterior was restored with painstaking attention to detail, including repainting the metal frame and trimming back overgrown landscaping to restore the home’s sophisticated curb appeal. The result is a home that not only stands as a beacon of architectural excellence but is also a living testament to Sugden’s mastery of modern design.
As the Siegel House stands today, it is a true reflection of timeless elegance. Far from chasing fleeting trends, Sugden’s work transcends time, offering a structure that is as relevant now as it was when it was first built. With the recent renovations elevating both function and form, this architectural icon continues to inspire awe and admiration—its beauty almost otherworldly, its significance unquestionable.
For those fortunate enough to witness it, the Siegel House is more than a home; it is a celebration of design, craftsmanship, and a rare moment in the history of Salt Lake City’s architectural legacy.
The Siegel House is listed with Mony Ty of Summit Sotheby's International Realty at the time of publication.
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