Tucked into the west side of Salt Lake Valley, Westwood Village stands as a time capsule of mid-century design, post-war optimism, and suburban innovation. Located between 2475–2700 West and 3800–3925 South, this distinctive neighborhood is more than just a collection of homes—it’s a beautifully preserved chapter of Utah’s mid-twentieth-century story.

A California Dream, Utah Edition

When Estel and Leah Wright platted the Westwood Village subdivision in 1958, they weren’t just building homes—they were importing a lifestyle. Inspired by the sleek, sun-soaked neighborhoods of California, particularly the famed Westwood Village in Los Angeles, the Wrights aimed to bring the Ranch-style charm and mid-century modern flair of the Golden State to Utah’s west side.

The Wrights partnered with Granger Land Development Company, later rebranded as Trends, Inc., to shape the area into three subdivisions: Wright Subdivisions 6, 8, and 10. Together, these subdivisions would eventually form what is today recognized as the Westwood Village Historic District, home to 143 stylish residences built between 1959 and 1962.

Architectural Integrity & Suburban Rhythm

Walking through Westwood Village feels like stepping into a 1960s architectural magazine. From the broad eaves and low-slung rooflines to the carports-turned-covered patios, the neighborhood maintains a cohesive aesthetic. Homes are aligned with consistent setbacks and thoughtful proportions, offering an authentic glimpse into mid-century suburban planning.

Architects Arthur K. Olsen and A.P. Nielsen, along with Trends Inc.’s design team, created a variety of homes in styles that blended Ranch form with modernist lines. The results? Sleek, tri-level homes with open floor plans, large picture windows, and indoor-outdoor living spaces—hallmarks of mid-century design. Clapboard, aluminum siding, and brick exteriors added texture and durability, while sliding glass doors opened up to private patios, inviting residents to enjoy their yards in true California fashion.

A Model for Every Family

Buyers in Westwood Village had several stylish floor plans to choose from:

The Westwood Model featured a split-level design with a flat roof and a unique front façade that paired brick with vertical wood screening. These homes showcased the classic one-story living area in the front with a 1½-story bedroom wing tucked behind.
The Pegasus Model leaned into tri-level styling and colonial revival details, complete with decorative shutters, native stone fireplaces, and streamlined aluminum siding. A fourth level beneath the entry offered extra living space for adventurous DIYers.
The Taurus Model offered four levels of living, three spacious bedrooms, walk-in closets, a native stone fireplace, and a fully plumbed basement just waiting to become a family playroom.
The Westerner Model echoed the Westwood form but added a low-pitched gable and more streamlined details for a fresh variation on the suburban theme.

In total, the district features 18 Pegasus, 23 Taurus, 38 Westerner, and 27 Westwood models—along with several duplexes and other variants like the Claremont, Chadwick, and Cliffdale.

From Farmland to Family Haven

The story of Westwood Village begins much earlier than the 1950s. In 1876, John Gerber received a land patent for 160 acres in the area—then known as part of Granger Township. For decades, it remained quiet farmland, considered too dry for extensive agriculture. That changed in the post-WWII era, when water infrastructure and roadways opened the west side to development. Estel Wright, with his background in real estate and public service, recognized the potential and helped usher in a wave of residential growth.

By the early 1960s, developers like Trends Inc., Banner Realty, and Galaxie Homes (a Hogle Investment Company subsidiary) were selling sleek, stylish homes to a new generation of Utah families. Nielsen Investment Realty joined the scene later, famously advertising a “last chance” to buy—even though many homes were still vacant.

A Neighborhood that Stands the Test of Time

Today, Westwood Village remains a shining example of post-war planning, design, and community spirit. It is one of the rare places in Utah where you can experience mid-century suburban life with such architectural and historical integrity still intact. Whether you're an architecture buff, a local historian, or just someone who loves a good neighborhood stroll, Westwood Village offers a window into the past—with a cool, California-inspired breeze.