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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
The Hancock Mansion: A Last Stand Against Rapid Change
On the transforming stretch of 700 East in Salt Lake City near Trolley Square, the Hancock Mansion stands as a rare example of steadfast historic preservation. Owners Danell and Steve Murdock have refused developers’ offers in order to protect the mansion, which they purchased in 2013. As new apartments and condos rise on all sides, the couple has witnessed the neighborhood become almost unrecognizable compared to a decade ago.
Development Encroaches on Historic Property
Construction is reshaping the block surrounding the Hancock Mansion at 444 S. 700 East. Buildings that once housed small businesses—including a restaurant building which previously held Big Daddy’s Pizza and Fendall’s Ice Cream—were approved for demolition in 2023. Across the street, the Phillips Congregational Church, a landmark built in 1907, was demolished in August 2025 to make room for new condominiums. To the north, the former Modern Display store, operating since 1980, was demolished for a six-story apartment building. Meanwhile, a large 1980s commercial building to the south was recently torn down for a mid-rise luxury student housing complex called Trolley North.
With construction crews active on nearly every side, the Murdocks say that heavy equipment and digging have caused parts of their home’s foundation to destabilize and the driveway to slope downward. Danell Murdock describes the frequent vibrations and noise that disturb their workday, noting, “That’s the scare… is how close to the actual property line will they dig?”
Historic Preservation Amid Urban Redevelopment
The mansion is located within Salt Lake City’s Central City historic district, and the Murdocks have engaged developers to discuss setbacks and possible ways to integrate the house into new plans. Despite these efforts, an independent shade study predicts that, upon completion of the adjacent buildings, sunlight will reach the mansion’s windows for only about one month each year. “We’ll be in kind of a wind tunnel of walls,” Danell remarked.
McKay Muhlestein, interim executive director of Preservation Utah, commented that projects like this highlight the challenge of preserving historic buildings as new development changes the face of older neighborhoods. He noted that these structures are often left out of development plans, which can dramatically impact their presence and context.
More Than 130 Years of Architectural Heritage
The Hancock Mansion’s history dates back to 1890 when it was built for businessman Thomas F. Mulloy. It was purchased in 1901 by Col. William M. Ferry Jr., who gifted it to his daughters, Kate Hancock and Mary Allen. The mansion features Victorian-era design touches, including a fireplace with Shakespearean tiles depicting characters from “Romeo and Juliet,” redwood stairs, and original pine flooring upstairs. After Kate Hancock’s death in 1940, her daughter, Mary “Hollister” Hancock, inherited the property and lived there until 1976. In 1977, Pam March restored the house for her floral business, Every Blooming Thing.
The Murdocks, drawn to the home’s history, moved their graphic design business, Design of Today, into the mansion and have taken steps to restore interior elements and preserve its character. For them, the mansion represents a living piece of Salt Lake City’s architectural heritage and history.
Haunting Tales and Community Spirit
The Hancock Mansion is reportedly haunted by the spirit of Hollister Hancock and is featured on Salt Lake City ghost tours, especially around Halloween. While the Murdocks have not experienced dramatic hauntings, they recount occasional unexplained footsteps and one designer’s story of seeing a girl in a white nightgown. There are also stories of interior doors locking by themselves and a contractor abandoning work after a mysterious incident.
Looking Toward the Future
Despite the increasing encroachment of large-scale developments, Danell and Steve Murdock remain committed to preserving the Hancock Mansion. Danell expresses hope that once the surrounding apartments are finished, the area will again foster a sense of community. For now, the mansion stands as a symbol of historic resilience amid Salt Lake City’s ongoing urban redevelopment.
Source: sltrib.com.
