Art City Inn, built in 1892, has been meticulously restored to showcase its beautiful original features. No where is the historic elegance more apparent than in Suite 1, the Presidential Suite. It boasts original, 10-foot high exposed brick walls, original stained glass, and original doorknobs and hardware. Modern amenities include kitchenette, sleeping accommodations for six, and 1 Gbps fiber internet. Art City Inn also offers a complimentary light breakfast and a hot tub.
When construction of the Victorian Eclectic hotel on 200 South began in 1892, it replaced a log cabin. The juxtaposition aptly illustrates Utah’s transformation in the late 19th century: the newly connected railroad had quelled Utah’s isolation as a pioneer frontier and brought East Coast and international influence.
Dogtooth brick arches around the windows and stately stained glass above the entrances—hardly a utilitarian pioneer style—anticipated what Springville would become: Art City, which some have claimed to have the highest concentration of artists per capita. In addition to its design, the inn’s proprietors have leaned toward the artistic. An original owner, Moses Johnson, was a prominent actor and drama teacher. His wife, Anna Kearns Johnson, mostly ran the hotel as Moses was away with a traveling acting troupe. Subsequent owners were William and Loretta Chase Kearns. Both Loretta and her son Howard, who grew up in the hotel, were professional visual artists. The Springville Museum of Art preserves their pieces in its current collection.
The inn has been run under many owners, some artistic and some otherwise, and has been called the Johnson/Kearns Hotel, Kearns House, Manitou Hotel, Valley Tavern Hotel, and the Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast. In 1980 the inn had fallen into disrepair and was set to be demolished, but restorationists Craig Lott and Randall Poulsen recognized its potential. They restored it using as many original components as possible, earning a 1991 Utah Heritage Foundation Project Award. (They also acquired and restored the stone’s-throw-away H.T. Reynolds store, which is now run as Magleby’s restaurant.) The inn was first recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. After renovations in 2021–22, the property is now known as Art City Inn. All major systems are updated and it is furnished in a mid-century modern style with comfortable, modern amenities.
Over its 130 years, the inn has developed a sense of mystery. Why was the basement entrance blocked off with dirt and concrete for decades, only to be uncovered later? What was the menu like while it was run as a bed and breakfast? Was the inn really used as a hospital initially? What kind of travelers have been here, stopping off on the railroad depot just beside it? Which artists gathered here to collaborate and inspire? What are the stories of all the brides and grooms married in the front lobby? And is there really an owner’s life savings buried somewhere under the building?
We welcome you into our inn to wonder about the past while thoroughly enjoying the present. We offer gratitude to the many people who have preserved and cared for the inn. It is our wish that you find great pleasure in your stay here--please let us know if we can serve you in any way.
Eric + Amy
We are readily available to help whenever needed; if you prefer privacy, we respect that too.
Under 5 minutes from I-15, Springville is convenient; it is also a quiet, safe town. Art City Inn lies in the heart of the Springville Historic District among hundreds of historically significant buildings. You can take a walking tour down Main Street, enjoy local eats and shops, and then explore the renowned Springville Art Museum just a few blocks away! World-class hiking and biking trails are minutes away in the nearby canyons, and mountain views surround you. Each Monday in the summer, the local farmer’s market is held right around the block.
The inn sits in the heart of Springville, with boutique shops and restaurants just steps from your door. Both Art City Inn and the Springville Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Parking:
There is a designated parking lot for the Art City Inn, plus ample street parking.
Trash & Recycling:
You can find trash and recycling bins outside the lobby back door under the stairs.
Suites 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are located on the ground level. Suites 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 are located up one flight of stairs.
Kitchenette & Dining Area:
This suite's kitchenette includes a fridge and freezer, microwave, toaster, dishes, utensils, and a Keurig coffee machine. The kitchen area includes a dining table and four chairs.
Exterior:
There are many outdoor places for guests to relax: the second-story front deck, the ground-level front porch, a back patio, and back lawn are all open to all guests.
Bedrooms:
This is an open concept space, with both beds and the sofa bed in the main living area. A desk and chair are placed near a front window.
Specific Amenities:
All guests can access the outdoor deck, backyard patio, and lobby.
Food delivery to your suite is available from the famous Magleby's Restaurant, and they offer a 5% discount for Art City Inn guests.
Wifi Speed:
1 Gbps
Distances to these local destinations:
✦BYU Campus ↠↠ 12-minute drive
✦Downtown Provo ↠↠ 10-minute drive
✦Springville Museum of Art ↠↠ 13-minute walk or 2-minute drive
✦Sundance Ski Resort ↠↠ 35-minute drive
✦Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail ↠↠ 30-minute drive
✦BYU Museum of Paleontology ↠↠ 14-minute drive
✦Bridal Veil Falls ↠↠ 25-minute drive
✦Provo Canyon ↠↠ 20-minute drive
✦Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum ↠↠ 13-minute drive
✦Left Fork Maple Canyon Trailhead ↠↠ 15-minute drive
✦Hobble Creek Golf Course ↠↠ 11-minute drive
✦Utah Lake State Park ↠↠ 15-minute drive
(Note: Distance provided by the most popular navigation website)
