The Sugar House Santa Shack is seeking a permit from the Salt Lake City mayor to return to Monument Plaza for the Christmas season, according to a November 8 report by the OBBM Network. The 80-year-old holiday landmark was recently displaced from its longtime location off Highland Drive due to construction related to the S-Line light-rail project.
Owner and photographer Laurie Bray stated that the nearly 18-foot-tall structure was removed when construction on the S-Line began. Bray indicated there is a possibility the shack could move to Monument Plaza, located near 2100 South and across from Barnes & Noble. The plaza's original architectural plans included a designated space for the shack, and several businesses at the site have expressed interest in its return.
Bray explained that she is working with individuals in the city who have reached out to the mayor's office. She is currently awaiting a longer-term permit that would allow the structure to be placed on the plaza without requiring extensive modifications. While the move would not require traveling a long distance, the city must still approve the placement to ensure compliance with safety regulations and zoning.
Local residents have expressed strong support for the return of the landmark. Longtime visitor Kent Jackson told FOX 13 News that he has enjoyed visiting the shack since he was a young boy. His wife, Wendy, and their children also shared the significance of the landmark for their family's holiday celebrations.
Bray noted that the community has provided various ideas and suggestions through social media since she first announced the search for a new location. She expressed hope that the Shack's return would prevent community members from feeling sad by preserving a multigenerational gathering point.
The potential return of the Santa Shack to the heart of Sugar House is viewed as a way to reinforce the neighborhood's sense of community and continuity. While Salt Lake City officials have not issued a formal response, the ongoing dialogue between Bray, local businesses, and the mayor's office represents a collaborative effort to preserve the city's cultural heritage.
Bray hopes to receive a response from the mayor's office within the coming week so that volunteers can begin the process of relocating and decorating the structure in time for the holiday season.
