Richmond Community Building

The Richmond Community Building, also known as the Community Building, is a public building owned by Richmond City, built in 1937. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 for its significance as a New Deal-era project and for its association with events that have "made a significant contribution to the broader patterns of our history."

History

Early History

Construction of the Richmond Community Building began on April 1, 1936, and ended on Oct 6, 1937. The total construction cost was $45,000, with $5,000 raised through Richmond taxes. $18,000 was furnished by a Public Works Administration Grant, which was part of United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program.4 During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt created the Federal Emergency Relief Act to provide work for those who lost their jobs. This building was part of that project for the city of Richmond. 

The building was designed by Utah architects Carl W. Scott and George W. Welch,1 and constructed by Groneman & Company of Provo, Utah. The red bricks came locally from the Smithfield, Utah Brick Company.4

The building's purpose in its early years was to be used by the citizens of Richmond as a community building and theater. Once you entered the building, after visiting the ticket booth to your left, you were welcomed into a furnished building. Directly ahead was a ballroom with a kitchen attached. To your left was a hall that led to the theater/stage. On your right were the dressing rooms.1

The building was constructed with two wings. The east wing transformed into the City Council hall and city post office, and the west wing housed Mayor Dr. J. Morris Godfrey's Dentistry.4

Years After Construction

The post office continued to use the Community Building until 1960, when a new post office was constructed, and the west wing was reorganized for City Council meetings.1

After the 1962 Earthquake, the Community Building sustained minor damage. However, the two Latter-day Saint churches in Richmond were heavily damaged and were to be condemned. While a new LDS Stake Center was under construction, the Community Building was used as a church house until 1964.3

In 1986, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its significance as a New Deal-era structure and for its association with events that have contributed to broader patterns of our history. In 2002, the Freedom Is Not Free veterans monument was added outside the building's east side.1

Recent History

In 2018, the city purchased the old Park Elementary School building. The town hall aspect moved to the Park School building, renamed Park Community Center, and the Community Building was used as originally intended.

Between 2021-2024, Bear River Head Start (BRHS) used the building as a preschool with a playground at the rear of the Richmond Library. Due to low attendance at BRHS, the high cost of living from inflation, and U. S. President Donald J. Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative limiting government spending, BRHS closed. The Community Building was used again for its intended purpose.

In 2026, the Community Building went under renovation, and on Sep 16, 2026, the Community Building was opened and is the new home for the Park Bench.2