Park City

Stolen sign from historic Park City building returns to owners

KPCW | By Parker Malatesta

Published September 11, 2025 at 6:05 PM MDT

PJ Builders said Sept. 12 the sign has been recovered.

The central sign on the historic Park City home at the top of Main Street has been returned after it was reportedly stolen days earlier.

Update Sept. 12: PJ Builders said the sign has been returned.

"We’re beyond thankful to our Park City community for spreading the word and helping this cherished piece of history return home," the company said in a statement. "As for how it found its way back just like the stories from the Centennial’s past, some things are best left unsaid. The Centennial Building will keep her secrets, and so will we. "What matters is this historic sign will once again stand proud as part of the restoration."

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Pamela Dore Alford with PJ Builders said they suspect the sign was stolen the night of Sept. 6 or Sept. 7.

The building suffered major damage in 2003 when nearby Poison Creek flooded. — The historic home with the sign attached, before it was stolen.

Alford said the company has been on the property almost daily as it prepares to dismantle and rebuild the home, which dates back to the turn of the 20th century.

Park City’s Historic Preservation Board approved plans for the project in June. The new owner will deconstruct the building and salvage as much of its historic materials as possible before transforming it into a single family home.

PJ Builders owner Pete Olson said the “theft is not just a loss to the new homeowners, but to the entire Park City community.”

"We sincerely hope the sign can be returned, and we ask anyone with information to help bring it back where it belongs," Olson said. "We sincerely hope the sign can be returned, no questions asked, and we ask anyone with information to help bring it back where it belongs. Some history is too important to be lost.”

Alford noted the blue sign above the main door, which reads “The Centennial” and stretches several feet wide, has been in place for more than 30 years and bolt cutters were likely needed to pry it off.

Park City Museum records indicate the historic boarding house had a variety of owners during the 1900s. As ski bums came to town, it became a cheap place to stay and a hot spot for “frequent and crazy parties.”

Alford said they have not filed a report with police as they hope to find the sign through “grassroots” efforts.

Park City Municipal is aware of the situation and has reached out to PJ Builders.