Knight Block

Historical photo courtesy of the Provo City Library

The most recognizable historical business building in Provo is probably the Knight Block, located on the Northeast corner of Center and University Ave.  The building was built by Jesse Knight, who at the time was the wealthiest business man in Provo.  He made his fortune from mining claims in the Eureka area.  He was instrumental in the construction of several business and houses throughout Provo and has been highlighted in a number of previous posts.

Before the Knight Block was constructed, the Northeast corner of Center and University was where the Provo Cooperative Institution, or the Co-op, was located. The picture above is second Co-op building and the original Co-op building can be found in the picture below.  The Co-op was demolished when the Knight Block was constructed.

Historical photo courtesy of Brigham Young University, Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections 

According to the Provo City website, the Knight Block was "constructed in 1900 on the site of the Provo East Co-op Mine owner and entrepreneur Jesse Knight built it as the headquarters for his commercial enterprises.  Richard C. Watkins, a Provo and Ogden architect, designed the Knight Block.  Knight hoped the new building would be the most imposing business structure in Provo.  With the tabernacle, court house, and the Provo Commercial and Saving Bank sharing the corner of University and Center, the Knight Block became a community landmark.  The building was divided into public and private places.  The public place on the street level featured large plate glass windows that show cased the Schwab Clothing Store.  The upper, private part of the building was visually different from the lower level."

Historical photo courtesy of Brigham Young University, Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections 

Historical photo courtesy of Brigham Young University, Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections 

According to a Deseret News article featured in the post about the Gates-Snow Building, the Knight Block was purchased by the Provo Town Square Associates.  Its restoration was completed in 1984.  While that restoration was only completed 40 years ago, another possible restoration is in the works, if the University Tower is constructed.  The University Tower is a proposed 10 story building which will be located between the Knight Block and Wells Fargo Tower that is located at 100 North and University Ave.  The agreement, which was initially signed in 2007 but has staled due to the economy, would also restore the facade of the Gates-Snow Building and add 2 additional four story buildings to Center Street, one between the Knight Block and the Gates-Snow and the other just to the west of Los Hermanos, the old Ottavio's.  All three buildings will be interconnected.

The Knight Block was designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.  Below are some additional photos of the building throughout the years.

Photo courtesy of Brigham Young University, Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections 

Photo courtesy of the Utah State Historical Society 

LOST IN HISTORY:  Jesse Knight was famous for his mining claims in Eureka.  Unfortunately, Eureka is a shell of its former self and Main Street is filled with abandoned store fronts.  Besides the gas station and mining museum, there is one attraction to Main Street, a cabin of a famous Mormon pioneer.  Whose cabin is located on Main Street in Eureka?