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Magna Historic District
The Magna Commercial Downtown Historic District represents the historic commercial center of Magna, Utah. The district encompasses 15.33 acres and consists of properties to the north and south of Main Street with a small number of adjacent properties.
The district is in an urban setting with moderate density. The majority of buildings in the district are commercial in use. A smaller number of buildings serve as public, governmental and social uses. The district has limited single-family dwellings and one garden.
The majority of the buildings in the district date to the Copper Boom Town Era (1904-1929) and are described as one-part commercial block-type buildings of Early 20th Century Commercial style.
The district retains the integrity of its location, design, setting, feeling, association, and materials, and remains a commercial center for Magna.
2020 Magna Earthquake
On March 18, 2020 a 5.7-magnitude earthquake occurred in Magna resulting in damage to many historic buildings in the district. This damage primarily affected brick or masonry building elements.
No buildings collapsed as a result of the earthquake and most damage is reparable. This National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nomination is in part intended to encourage the use of historic preservation tax credits for the appropriate and historically sensitive repair of eligible buildings in the district.
Magna Earthquake Survey Report - April 2, 2020 (PDF)
Story Map
Contributing Buildings
The Magna Commercial Downtown Historic District includes 43 properties in total, comprising 42 buildings and one site (a garden). Of the buildings, 38 (88%) contribute to the historic character of the district. The majority of the buildings in the district date to the Copper Boom Town Era (1904 to 1929) and are one-part commercial block-type buildings constructed in the Early 20th Century Commercial style. Each contributing building included in the historic district adds to the tapestry of historical integrity, architectural qualities, and fascinating stories that make the district significant.
To learn more, scroll through the list of buildings or click on individual sites on the following map, developed in collaboration with Magna Metro Township, Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Preservation Utah, and Municipal Services District Long Range Planning.
Historic District Map
Nominate a Property
Download and read the full Magna Commercial Downtown Historic District Registration Form (PDF).
The form is used to nominate properties or historic districts for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, which is overseen by the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service.
- What is the National Register?
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The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of properties that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, and engineering.
- What sites in Utah are on the National Register?
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All types of sites and properties are represented - from mansions to prehistoric pit houses, limekilns to LDS tithing offices, suspension bridges to rock art sites. In Utah there are over 1000 individual sites and over 50 historic and archeological districts containing several thousand additional sites. A complete listing of National Register sites in Utah can be obtained from the Office of Historic Preservation.
- Why would someone list their property on the National Register?
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While listing on the National Register is primarily an honorary recognition of the historic or architectural significance of a property, owners also list their buildings to qualify for federal and/or state rehabilitation tax credits or grants, when available. Listing on the National Register can also help educate the public and change a community's perception of its historic and cultural resources.
- Does listing limit an owner's property rights?
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Listing in the National Register does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage or dispose of the listed property. The owner is not required to restore or maintain the property or open it to the public. Local preservation ordinances, where present, may have some implication for a building owner.
- What are the requirements for listing? Or is my house eligible?
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To be eligible for the National Register, a building must:
- Be at least 50 years old
- Retain its architectural integrity (A rule of thumb: Would the original owner still recognize the building?)
- Be significant; this significance can be national, state-wide, or even local, but must fall within at least one of the following categories:
- Association with important events
- Association with significant persons
- Architectural significance
- Archeological significance
- Who can nominate properties to the National Register?
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Any interested person can research and nominate any property to the National Register. The legal owner has the right to object to, and prevent, the listing of their private property.
- What is the process?
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Research and document the property (call and ask for the Intensive Level Survey/Research guide) and submit current photos of the property with your early research results for a preliminary review. Next, prepare the National Register nomination form using the results of your research and documentation and the review suggestions. Coordinate with the local historic preservation commission, if one is present in your area. The completed nomination is then presented to the Board of State History for review. With their approval, it is then submitted to the National Park Service in Washington, DC for a final review. The staff of the Office of Historic Preservation is available to review and direct your research and nomination at any time - consult with them early. The entire nomination process usually takes about six months.
- Is there money available for restoration?
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For communities that become Certified Local Governments, limited matching grants are occasionally available for the preservation of properties listed on the National Register - contact the Office of Preservation in April to see if grants will be available that year. We can also provide information about the federal and state rehabilitation investment tax credits and direct you to other possible funding sources, as well as providing technical preservation or maintenance information.
- Where do I go for National Register forms, bulletins, answers, etc.?
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Contact: Cory Jensen or Chris Hansen
Office of Historic Preservation
Utah Division of State History
300 S Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1182Phone: 801-245-7225
Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement Website
National Register of Historic Places Website
Letter from Utah Division of State History
View the Letter from Utah Division of State History (PDF) sent to property owners located within the Historic District in January 2021.