The Walker Center, Salt Lake City’s Weather Vane
The Walker Center is a defining feature of Salt Lake City’s skyline, but what’s the story behind this iconic building, and what do its colorful lights mean?
The Walker Center is a defining feature of Salt Lake City’s skyline, but what’s the story behind this iconic building, and what do its colorful lights mean?
History
The building was first constructed in 1912 as the Walker Bank Building. At the time, it was the tallest skyscraper between Chicago and San Francisco. Along with Walker Bank, the building housed various other businesses, including a restaurant, barbershop, florist, and cigar store.
Salt Lake City’s Weather Vane
The 64-foot weather tower was installed in the 1940s by a local radio station (KDYL), removed in the 1980s due to city ordinances, then reinstated in 2008 with modern safety upgrades. Today, it provides Salt Lakers with the weather forecast through colored lights:
- ☀️ Blue = Clear skies
- ☁️ Flashing blue = Cloudy skies
- 🌧️ Red = Rain
- ❄️ Flashing red = Snow
When in doubt, remember this rhyme: Steady blue, clear view. Flashing blue, clouds due. Steady red, rain ahead. Flashing red, snow instead.
A Colorful Upgrade
In December 2021, the tower upgraded from neon to LED lighting. This allowed a broader spectrum of colors and animations to celebrate holidays and events (pink for Valentine’s, green for St. Patrick’s Day etc.).
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