On Tuesday, Ogden City announced in a press release Wednesday that it has entered into an agreement with a local development group to preserve and renovate the former U.S. Forest Service Building into a space for the arts and housing.

“The former U.S. Forest Service building in Ogden’s East Central Neighborhood was designed by architects Leslie Hodgson and Myrl McClenahan in the early 1930s, serving as the agency’s district headquarters and a classic example of Art Deco architecture,” the release said. “The federal government declared it surplus property in 2023, and the City’s Redevelopment Agency purchased it the following year.

“This month, Ogden City’s Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously to enter into a Land Transfer and Development Agreement (LTDA) with Giv Group, the developers of Weber Commons and Imagine Jefferson. The agreement advances redevelopment of the historic U.S. Forest Service Building while preserving its historic Art Deco façade and hallways through an existing preservation easement.”

Ogden City Economic Development Director Eric Gibson told the Standard-Examiner that some details are still being worked out at this time.

“Giv Group was selected as the winning bid and the city has maintained the building in the interim with the intent of selling it and having it be used for a better and higher purpose,” he said. “We’re excited to see that that’s taken place and excited by what the Giv Group has proposed, which is to have a mixed-use activation of the building. They’re in negotiations with Weber State University right now to do some maker-space and some art studio-type space on the lower floors with some affordable housing on the upper floors.”

According to the release, the housing will utilize a special model to help build towards home ownership.

“The housing component will be financed through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), a federal program used to support the development of affordable rental housing,” the release said. “Through the Perpetual Housing Fund of Utah, Giv Group also plans to incorporate a Tenant Wealth Initiative model designed to give residents opportunities to build wealth and pursue pathways to homeownership.”

According to the release, the model includes:

• “An emergency fund tenants can access in case of catastrophes
• A pathway to homeownership through downpayment assistance
• Annual rent rebates
• A share of proceeds if the building is sold or refinanced”

“Under the proposed structure, families could participate in the property’s equity growth if the building is refinanced after 15 years and share in profits generated through its management,” the release added.

He said there will be at least 24 housing units on site depending on what space will be used for art and that restoration of the building will likely kick off next year.

Gibson added that it’s a great feeling to be able to save another historic structure from ruin.

“It’s really exciting with the Exchange building being saved through a development agreement with Thaine Fischer,” Gibson said.

“This is just another one of the Leslie Hodgson’s buildings that the city has been able to save and preserve and ensure is going to remain used and appreciated by the community for the next several generations.”

Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski said the project will help Ogden keep a part of its old self alive for generations to come.

“Ogden City recognizes the value of the work done by Hodgson and McClenahan and the rich history, uniqueness and beauty these buildings bring to our city,” he said in the release. “I get to see that firsthand when I drive past Ogden High and head into the Municipal Building. We remain committed to responsible investment in our historic assets. This is the second historic building we have worked to preserve and thoughtfully reuse, so future generations can get a glimpse of Old Ogden and understand our heritage.”