ABOUT
CONNECT. INSPIRE. CREATE.
The Monarch is a collaborative environment where artists, creative businesses and makers of all types can connect, inspire and create together in the heart of Ogden’s Nine Rails Creative District. With the belief that creativity drives communities, we strive to provide the region with uniquely artful experiences through artist engagement, creative dining and memorable events.
Housed in an industrial parking garage from the 1920s, The Monarch’s historic architecture is balanced with modern design features to provide a unique urban backdrop for your creative studio, cozy dinner date or exclusive event.
HISTORY
The Monarch’s industrial structure was built in 1929 as a full-service, enclosed parking garage for the neighboring Bigelow Hotel. At 60,000 square feet, it had the capacity for over 200 automobiles with ramps leading to multiple levels. Enclosed garages were common for the time, as early automobiles were less resilient to harsh weather and cold temperatures. This is Ogden’s only surviving example of an enclosed garage; the development of these structures stopped shortly after World War II when ventilation became an increasing concern and parking structures became more open.
This historic significance along with the building’s unique architecture landed it on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. It was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style by Leslie S. Hodgson, Ogden’s most ubiquitous architect of the era who also designed Peery Lofts, Ogden High School, Peery’s Egyptian Theater, the Bigelow Hotel, and more. Unique details from the original structure remain intact including an interior parking ramp, garage style doors and ornamented façade.
Over the years, the garage has been occupied by a variety of automobile-related businesses, restaurants, a nightclub, flower shop and more, until it was ultimately abandoned. In 2011, Fischer-Regan Enterprises purchased the building in its dilapidated state. Teaming up with Carbon Architects, Fischer developed a vision to restore this architectural gem while providing a socially valuable center for the arts in Ogden. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred April 2018 and The Monarch opened in November 2019.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
NINE RAILS CREATIVE DISTRICT
Ogden’s newest neighborhood aims to promote engagement through a variety of art forms, encompassing everything from visual art to architecture. The Monarch will be the creative heart of the Nine Rails, contributing to the city’s goal of providing a dedicated area for arts and culture to thrive.
NINE RAILS PODCAST
Don’t miss an episode of The Banyan Collective’s Nine Rails Arts Podcast, as hosts Todd Oberndorfer & R Brandon Long explore what it means to be an Adventurous Creative in Ogden. Hear stories from Nine Rails Creative District including those of artisans, designers & creatives in The Monarch building.