Granger Villa: Designed by 51 Women for the Future of Family Living

Granger Villa: Part 2

More than just a neighborhood, Granger Villa at 4300 South and 4000 West was a bold experiment in community-focused design—led by voices that had rarely been invited to the drawing table: women.

In the early 1960s, Richard Prows, developer of Young America Homes, made an unprecedented move. Rather than relying solely on architects or industry trends, he invited 51 delegates from women’s clubs across Salt Lake City—plus one man—to weigh in on what truly mattered in a home. These women were not only homemakers and mothers—they were also educated, experienced, and deeply familiar with what homes lacked.

During what was dubbed a “Huddle Session”, these women voiced their frustrations with the inadequacies of their current housing. They were clear and insistent:

  • Larger master bedrooms

  • More storage throughout

  • Truly functional kitchens designed for real cooking, not just appearances

They debated everything from the best type of heating system to their preferred colors for bathroom fixtures. The women took their roles seriously, and their insight became the foundation for the homes that would shape Granger Villa.

Richard Prows listened. “To get the most out of design and materials,” he said, “you must reject pretentiousness for simplicity… make a better-built and better-designed home for people who might otherwise have to settle for less.”

The result was a charming, functional, and forward-thinking neighborhood where quality and affordability went hand in hand. Homes like:

  • The Charlotte, with its elegant driveway and 27' recreation room

  • The Cherry Hill, a split-level so well designed it was featured in Life Magazine

  • The Highland Fields, designed to look far more expensive than its price

  • The Westwood, with sliding glass doors that opened to a private patio

  • The Cape Cottage and Country Gentleman, each offering unique charm and practical layouts

Granger Villa was not just another subdivision. Built on a hill with panoramic views, it was peaceful, accessible, and close to shopping, schools, and industry—only 18 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.

But more than anything, Granger Villa was built with intention—by women who knew what homes should be. It remains a powerful legacy of community collaboration, smart planning, and housing that was truly designed to serve the families within it.

June 1962 SLTribune

Homes from the Pastsheri biesingerGranger VillaComment