University of Utah finalizes ‘historic’ land transfer to move Army off campus’ Fort Douglas

A rendering shows a new Army Reserves headquarters to be built at the Utah Army National Guard’s Camp Williams in exchange for land the Army currently holds at Fort Douglas on the University of Utah campus. (Courtesy of the University of Utah)

The University of Utah finalized a land transfer on Monday that will eventually move the U.S. Army Reserves from Fort Douglas on campus to a new, $100 million headquarters at Camp Williams in Bluffdale. 

Originally established in 1862 during the American Civil War, Fort Douglas was officially closed in 1991, with most of the buildings turned over to the university. However a small, 50-acre site on campus surrounded by student housing, athletic facilities and Red Butte Gardens remained occupied by the U.S. Army Reserves. 

That includes the 76th Operational Response Command, where the Center for Defense Support of Civilian Authorities supports state and local officials, first responders and other government agencies during emergencies or natural disasters, according to the Army Reserves’ website. 

But in a news release, the university said the Army Reserves were “constrained by outdated infrastructure” on the fort. The new 31.9-acre site on Camp Williams is more modern, secure and gives the Army room to expand, if needed, according to the university. It’s made possible by $100 million allocated by the Utah Legislature in 2023. 

Using that funding, the university will build the Army Reserves its new 220,000 square foot  headquarters, expected to open in spring 2026. Once the Army is out, the Fort Douglas site will be handed over to the university for “future campus development.” 

Col. Martin Naranjo, Army Reserve Installation Management Division Director, said the new site will improve quality of life for soldiers, while providing them access to “some of the best training areas in the world.” 

“The Army Reserve is excited to be a part of this next chapter of multi-component training for our soldiers in and around the Salt Lake City area. … We’re proud to be a part of this community,” Naranjo said. 

The land transfer also required buy-in from the governor’s office and U.S. Congress. 

“Utah is proud to lead the nation in supporting our military,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox in a statement. “This historic appropriation and land transfer demonstrate our dedication to the men and women who serve our country. The new facilities will provide unparalleled opportunities for training and collaboration.”

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