Gentsch-Thompson House

This Victorian house passed from an express-company man to a mining mayor. Built in 1896 for Frederick Gentsch of the Pacific Express Company, it was bought in 1900 by Ezra Thompson — a man made rich by Park City mining who had already sat on that town's council, and who now won two terms as mayor of Salt Lake City. Thompson's holdings ran to banks and real estate; his family kept the house until 1943, after which it sheltered a children's charity for decades. A thorough restoration returned it to grandeur in 2008.

What the plaque says

Constructed in 1896, this large, two-story, Victorian Eclectic style dwelling was built for Frederick C. Gentsch. He was the general superintendent of the Pacific Express Company and owned the home until 1900, when it was sold to Ezra Thompson, Jr. With mining interests in Park City, Thompson also served on the Park City Council. Beginning in 1900, he was elected to two terms as the mayor of Salt Lake City. He also had large real estate holdings in Salt Lake City and was director of the National Bank of the Republic. The house remained in the Thompson family until 1943, when it was sold to the Children's Service Society who owned the property for many years. A major restoration of the property was completed in 2008 by current owner Kevin L. Bott Family with Max J. Smith of MJSA Architects. Marker placed in 2010

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Salt Lake City — 0.9 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 0.9 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Ensign Peak — 1.6 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Liberty Park — 1.7 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882

More markers nearby

• Thomas Kearns Mansion and Carriage House — steps away
• David Keith Mansion — steps away
• Simon Bamberger House — steps away
• 20 th Ward Meetinghouse — steps away