Peoples Co-op Lehi

Few buildings exemplify Lehi City history quite like the People’s Co-op Building at 151 East State Street. When it was constructed in 1902–03, it represented not just another mercantile store but one of the most ambitious and technologically advanced examples of historic architecture the city had ever seen.  

As the flagship of the People’s Cooperative Mercantile Institution, this massive structure replaced earlier buildings on the site, quickly becoming a centerpiece of Lehi’s business district. With 22,000 square feet dedicated to retail and warehouse purposes, the Co-op was designed to impress. At a time when many homes still relied on lamps and wood stoves, the building boasted electric lighting, Bell telephone service, and even a pneumatic tube system connecting it to other Co-op buildings. Shoppers enjoyed the novelty of strolling along Lehi’s very first concrete sidewalks—an innovation that rapidly garnered attention in town.  

Built of brick atop a robust sandstone foundation, the building showcased the exceptional craftsmanship of local masons Andrew Fjeld and Charles Ohran. Its elegant Late Victorian design featured expansive display windows, decorative masonry, and a striking pressed-metal cornice that crowned the façade. Above the entrance, an oval emblem proudly displayed the Co-op’s identity, symbolizing the cooperative spirit that helped shape early Lehi.  

For decades, the People’s Co-op Building stood at the heart of community life, but as shopping habits changed and competition increased, the Co-op eventually faced challenges. In 1937, ZCMI announced the closure of the Lehi branch, marking the end of an era. However, the building’s story was far from over.  

Like many historic structures, it continually reinvented itself. The former mercantile transformed into a roller-skating rink where generations of local children circled beneath its high ceilings. It later became Grass Furniture and then Christensen’s wholesale warehouse, adapting to each new chapter in Lehi’s growth.  

Today, the People’s Co-op Building houses Osmond Designs, returning full circle as a destination for furniture and home décor. While storefront renovations have modified parts of the lower level, much of the original upper façade remains intact, preserving the character and craftsmanship of over a century ago.  

The People’s Co-op Building is not merely an old commercial block—it stands as a monument to Lehi’s ambition. It witnessed the arrival of electricity, telephones, and modern commerce; endured evolving economies and generations of businesses; and continues to embody a community that consistently looks toward the future while honoring its rich past.