Forest Dale Historic District

Streetcar-era suburb southwest of Sugar House

In Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, the residential streets of Forest Dale form a historic district roughly bounded by 700 East, Interstate 80, Commonwealth Avenue, and 900 East. It was listed on the National Register in 2009 (NRIS 09000241) for architecture and community planning and development. Period of significance is 1890–1961, with significant dates 1890, 1901, 1912, and 1961. Salt Lake City’s historic preservation office describes about eight blocks centered on Simpson, Wilmington, and Ashton Avenues.

The area developed as a single subdivision over a long span from the 1880s into the 1940s, which produced an eclectic mix of housing types rather than a single stylistic campaign. Nearly all historic buildings are single-family residences; a handful of duplexes and one historic church are present. One historic railroad line still cuts east–west across the district’s northern end. Tree-lined streets, uniform setbacks, and similar house scale give the neighborhood an “inner-ring” suburban quality despite nearby freeways and commercial arterials.

Building stock

Of 199 buildings in the nomination inventory, 161 contributed. Victorian-era dwellings form the largest architectural group; later stock includes Colonial Revival, Tudor, Prairie School, bungalow/Craftsman, and mid-century ranch and Minimal Traditional forms. Materials include brick, stucco, wood, and concrete. Individually listed on the National Register in its own right, the George M. Cannon House (720 East Ashton Avenue) also sits inside the district. Most common alterations are stucco or synthetic siding and window replacements; many contributing homes also have historic-period additions.

Mid-block alleys serve rear garages and outbuildings. The street layout is rectilinear, consistent with Salt Lake Valley grid planning applied when Forest Dale was platted around 1890. About 108 outbuildings were counted; most are small detached garages that support the residential streetscape without dominating it.

Visiting

Forest Dale is a living Salt Lake City neighborhood. Public streets are open; yards and alleys are private. Park legally and keep to sidewalks. No district entrance fee or visitor center exists. Approach from I-80 or 2100 South / Sugar House, then local streets into the Simpson–Wilmington–Ashton core. The nomination and city pages document historic significance only — they do not guarantee open buildings or interpretive programs. Walk for the concentrated late Victorian through mid-century residential fabric, not for commercial tourism.