LOCAL NEWS

New owner seeks community involvement, support as nonprofit aims to restore 5th Ward meetinghouse

Sep 18, 2024, 10:29 PM | Updated: 10:33 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The new owner of a historic church property on Wednesday outlined a new plan for the structure that includes housing for those in recovery from addiction.

The 5th Ward meetinghouse was nearly demolished earlier in the year over Easter, but the effort was thwarted by a city worker who noticed the demolition and stopped it.

Skyler Baird acquired the property from the developer, and under his Salt of the Earth nonprofit, plans to restore the 1910 structure.

He told KSL TV his plan included likely using the chapel as a center for community events and receptions while transforming other rooms into places to live.

“The classrooms and the space underneath the chapel will become housing, primarily for people who have gone through addiction recovery programs,” Baird said.

Baird turned emotional when talking about his motivation for the project which will require upwards of $500,000 in repair and restoration costs. He said the organization is soliciting donations, including via Venmo*.

“Over my years of landlording, I’ve just seen so many people that are struggling and for those people—especially those that have made the choice to recover and have gone through that process—we need to be there to support them,” Baird said.

His group, in conjunction with Preservation Utah, was also planning a community event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 12 where volunteers could help clear debris from the site while sorting bricks and identifying those usable in the restoration.

While Baird acknowledged the project still held unanswered questions including where all the funding would come from, he had faith he and his nonprofit would see it through.

“I know for sure that with the resources that have been offered and have been shown to me, that God will provide,” Baird said. “It’s going to be there.”


*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A group of cancer activists at Utah's Capitol Hill for Cancer Action Day. (American Cancer Society)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Cancer activists to gather with elected officials on Capitol Hill

Activists and patients will be at Utah's Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, sharing their stories and pushing policies that aid the fight against cancer.

5 minutes ago

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

10 hours ago

A Provo City banner pictured Oct. 2024. (Mark Less, KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

Provo proposing water rate hike, city council to vote Tuesday

An upcoming vote could force Provo homeowners to pay more for water. The city council plans to vote Tuesday on a proposal to increase water rates across the board and penalize those who use the most.

11 hours ago

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation dur...

Darby Sparks

Salt Lake Police respond to weekend protest, vehicle vs pedestrian incident

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation during a march that blocked traffic.

12 hours ago

The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025....

Annie Knox, Andrew Adams and Courtney Johns, KSL TV

Lawmakers are considering major changes to Utah’s open records law

A First Amendment attorney tells KSL the moves are a “multi-front assault on the public’s right to know,” but a lawmaker says change is needed.

12 hours ago

SpaceX launched 23 Starlink satellites from California on Feb. 10, 2025. They could be seen from so...

Carlysle Price

SpaceX launch seen soaring across southern Utah

Some Utah residents caught quite a sight Monday when SpaceX launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

New owner seeks community involvement, support as nonprofit aims to restore 5th Ward meetinghouse