Artist Ralphael Plescia's Christian School at 1324 S State SLC is nearing demolition

Artist Ralphael Plescia's Christian School at 1324 S State SLC is nearing demolition.

You may have seen the news report that many of his sculptures were removed recently and will be rehomed to the Utah Arts Alliance's Art Castle (the old 15th Ward LDS Church building they purchased and saved from demolition in 2021).

I toured the interior of the Christian School in 2023. Here are some of those images.

The space is divided into 3 levels, which I interpreted roughly as akin to heaven (top), the terrestrial world (main floor), and the underworld (basement, sub-basement dug-out).

My understanding is that the building will be demolished and new apartments will be constructed.

The ownership of the building is a complicated relationship. Ralphael Plescia did not own the building, rather his father owned the building, and in his father's will he arranged for Ralphael to have occupant rights until Ralphael's death. After Ralphael's death in 2022, the ownership of the building went to Shriners Children's Hospital, per his father's will.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Aug 4 2023 that developer Colmena Group (via a LLC named 1324 South State, LLC). purchased the property from Shriners, although Ralphael's daughter had attempted to gain ownership.

Many of Plescia's sculptures cannot be removed from the building because they are a part of the building.