New U. student housing sits on land donated by LDS Church — and has strict conduct rules

Johnny Flitton lived off campus during his first year at the University of Utah, commuting each day from his parents’ home in Park City. Then, he got called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While he was away, his mother heard about a new U. student housing opportunity — Ivory University House, and applied on his behalf.

“It sounded like a dream,” Flitton said, “like so amazing.”

Before he was accepted, Flitton had to explain in an interview what he liked to do for fun and why he was interested in living at Ivory University House. He also had to sign a “Core Value Agreement,” accepting restrictions such as no overnight guests and no possession or viewing of pornographic material.

The stricter standard of living appealed to him, though, and he now serves as a resident adviser. On Wednesday morning, he also served as a tour-guide for his new home, after university officials, LDS Church leaders, Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Clark and Christine Ivory gathered to cut the ribbon for the freshly constructed complex, which sits on land previously donated by the faith. All four buildings should be completed by fall of 2025, but 123 students already moved in this past August.

Flitton walked visitors through a game room suffused with natural light, an art room adorned with painted pumpkins and a spotless shared kitchen space. The rooms at Ivory University House looked like the kind of ritzy collegiate spaces common in television shows but nearly nonexistent in the grimy, older halls most young people find themselves living in after leaving home.

Plus, unlike other dorms that also have rules against smoking or consuming alcohol, the “standards” were truly upheld at the Ivory University House, Flitton said.

In the dorm’s lecture hall, U. of U. President Taylor Randall told those gathered that the school doesn’t want to be a commuter campus anymore and said the school’s trustees were enthusiastic about the additional housing built on the gifted land. As Salt Lake City contends with a shortage of affordable housing options, any new housing and less pressure on the market is welcome too.

“We are trying so hard to build a college town here,” Randall said. “We grew by nearly 2% this year and housing continues to be one of our largest constraints. We need to build 5,000 beds over the next five years.”

Public/private partnerships will be key to making that happen, Randall said. “This innovative new model will transform the university’s housing situation and help serve thousands of students,” he said. “This type of partnership is key to our future growth, allowing us to provide expanded opportunities for Utah students.”

How affordable is Ivory University House?

A 440-square-foot model studio apartment equipped with a refrigerator, stove and spacious bathroom would cost about $1,500 a month with utilities and internet, not including parking.

The smallest studios will cost around $1,250.

There is a scholarship fund for those who can’t afford the steep price — 138 have been distributed so far, Clark Ivory said. The goal is for 25% of students living in Ivory University House to come from “economically challenged backgrounds.”

“When we focused on our scholarships, we targeted local kids. If they didn’t go to high school here they have less of an opportunity to get our scholarship. If they gave additional service, they have a greater opportunity. If they’re involved in the community, then we’re going to look at them more carefully,” Clark Ivory said.

Students attending the U. are stressed by the rising rental rates across the Salt Lake Valley. Graduate students with families living in dilapidated U. housing panicked last winter when plans to tear down the structures were announced. The rental rates for the newly constructed Sunnyside Apartments — set at $1,750 for a two-bedroom apartment — were out reach for many.

Ivory University Housing should be attainable to those making 80% the area median income, or $59,400 a year for a single person, according to project manager Ashley Hadfield.

The rents students pay will go toward scholarships, “strategic initiatives” and housing stipends at the U. of U.

Local leaders voiced support for the new student housing. Mendenhall agreed that living in a supportive environment close to campus would help ensure students kept their grades up and graduated. She noted the city worked hard to make sure the project could move forward.

“These units will be instrumental in helping students succeed in their programs,” said Salt Lake City Council member Dan Dugan, who represents the district. “The benefits extend beyond University of Utah students, faculty, and staff, too, reducing traffic congestion in the area caused by students whose best option used to be off-campus housing.”

A place ‘where spiritual life is respected’

Ivory University House provides more amenities, and more rules, than a typical dorm. Students must agree to a “Core Value Agreement,” and the numerous amenities foster a sense of community.

“I love how they’ve created what they call a core value of agreement,” said L. Todd Budge, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, which oversees the faith’s vast real estate, financial, investment and charitable operations.

Students agree not to possess, consume or distribute alcohol or marijuana or tobacco products, gamble, or possess or view pornographic material or have overnight guests. “I think it’s amazing that each of these residents here have signed on their honor to live that kind of lifestyle here. They do it not just for themselves. And of course, these standards are not forced, but they are enforced.”

According to the Ivory University House website, “engagement in any of the above activities or change in enrollment status could result in removal from Ivory University House.”

Part of the draw for Flitton was the “high standard of living” expected of students, a standard that he’d grown comfortable with during his ecclesiastical mission. He’s loved the environment so much, he’s already signed on to live there next year.

Editor’s note • The Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation is a donor to The Salt Lake Tribune’s Innovation Lab.

Correction, Oct. 20, 8:30 a.m. • An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the first name of the project manager for Ivory University House. Her name is Ashley Hadfield.