Who says a government building has to be boring? Come here for festivals, music and, in 2002, alcoholic beverages.

by Contributor

The Scene
You have Mayor Rocky Anderson to thank if the Salt Lake City and County Building, aka Washington Square, has seeped into your consciousness in the past year or two. He's been doing his best to promote downtown city life in several ways, including throwing a bunch of parties right outside of his office. The annual Living Traditions Festival is probably the most well-known, but look forward to jazz, music and food fesivals all summer long.

The Building
Construction of the five-level building was started in 1892 and finished in 1894. The builders used rough-hewn Kyune sandstone because it was easily cut and carved, but it was also easily weathered. From 1896--the year Utah became a state--until 1915, it was the State Capitol Building. It has also been occupied by the county, but Salt Lake City is now the sole owner. Numerous minor restorations started in 1973, and by 1989, the complete restoration--costing $30 million--was finished.