Neumont University will formally announce its plans Thursday evening at its future home, the Ezra Thompson Building at 143 S. Main. The 11-story masonry art deco office tower, built in 1924, housed The Salt Lake Tribune for nearly seven decades before the newspaper’s 2005 move to The Gateway.
After the Tribune’s departure, developers Michael Ferro and Vasilios Priskos acquired the building with an eye toward converting it into residences.
"We have been anxious to get more students living downtown. We really want it to be thought of as a college town. University students add a vibrancy to city streets that’s difficult to get from other groups," said Jason Mathis, Downtown Alliance executive director. "I can’t think of a better use for that building. It’s great to see historic structures used in ways to continue their lives well into their future."
Established as Northface University in 2003 at a South Jordan office park, Neumont is a baccalaureate college offering degrees exclusively in digital sciences. Its enrollment moves between 250 and 300 students, mostly from out of state, and the new location will allow growth to 400. Salt Lake Tribune
