From the Archives… UNSEEN FUTURES: RIPLEY’S MARKET

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 – Unseen Futures: Ripley’s Market
Before the Performing Arts Coalition (PAC) was formed, RDT established its own Facilities Planning Committee (FPC) in 1983 to search for space beyond the University where we could fulfill our dreams of establishing a community school. Chaired by Ivan Weber, the FPC surveyed and analyzed over 100 potential buildings around Salt Lake and researched performing arts centers throughout the United States that could serve as models for RDT’s vision.
One of these many potential building sites was Ripley’s Market building located just past 2000 East and 2700 South. The owner of Ripley’s Market was attempting to sell the building with little success and RDT hoped that they could negotiate a lease/option to purchase an agreement to use the space at a low cost. Ivan drew up designs for how the space could be used as a theater and budgets were made to estimate the funds RDT would need to raise to secure the building. Ultimately, the building was sold to another bidder before RDT could raise the funds and that future remained unseen.
Conceptual drawing for partial renovation of Ripley’s Market by Ivan Weber in 1983
Estimated budget for renovation by Ivan Weber in 1983
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).