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.

Black and white photo of a city building
Black and white photo of a city building with a car out front
Black and white photo of a house

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)

MSD Earthquake Damage Assessment Dashboard

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

Magna Historic District Map (JPG) Opens in new window

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.

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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.

Historic Downtown Empress Building