From the Archives… Before It Was The Rose
RDT is currently in the process of inventorying, cataloging, and assessing our extensive archive including over 120 years of modern dance history and almost 60 years of company history. This archive preserves videos, photographs, and documentation of dance history to support our “living library” of dance for future generations of artists and art lovers.
In our 59th season of reflection, RDT participates in Utah State Archives Month to highlight “the future in the archives.” To stay connected:
- Follow our social media for features from our archive throughout the rest of October, exploring futures and dreams – realized and unrealized – for the arts in Salt Lake City.
- Sign up for our archive newsletter to continue receiving exclusive peeks into RDT’s history throughout the season.
This project is made possible through a grant from the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board (USHRAB) and National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
FROM THE ARCHIVE – Before it was The Rose
The final site that was assessed for the PAC project was the Restaurant Equipment and Supply and Fetzer Buildings (RESCO) located at 138 West Broadway. This property had good potential for renovation but still required a significant upfront cost to purchase as it was not owned by the RDA.
Once Block 49 and the Brooks Arcade were deemed unfeasible, the PAC focused their efforts on the RESCO site. This was particularly urgent as RDT was temporarily rehearsing at the Salt Palace but had limited time before that building was scheduled for demolition. Time was running out for the company to find a new home. New designs were drawn up and RDT and the PAC jointly approached Salt Lake County about purchasing the site.
Commissioner Jim Bradley saw the value of adding another performing arts venue to the Salt Lake County facilities and a public/private partnership was formed to fund the project, partially through RDA funds and partially through funds that the PAC successfully raised.
In January 1994, RDT moved into the RESCO building at 138 West Broadway. The building was purchased and plans for construction on this new future began.
RESCO/Fetzer building before renovation
1993 letter to Commissioner Bradley requesting support from the County to buy the RESCO building.
Big picture vision of renovation designed by Ivan Weber in 1993
Draft designs for Phase 1 of the RESCO renovation by Prescott Muir Architects in 1994
Detailed designs of the black box theatre by Prescott Muir Architects in 1994
Updated designs for Phase 1 of the RESCO renovation by Ivan Weber in 1995
Follow along with us as we feature “futures from the archives” for Utah State Archives Month.
This project is made possible through a grant from the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board (USHRAB) and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
