W. W. Fife

William Wilson Fife, known as W. W. Fife, was a partner with his architectural father William Nicol Fife and under his training, became one of Utah’s most important architects.

W. W. Fife was born on August 16, 1857, in Ogden, Utah Territory. He was named after his great, great grandfather, a leading architect in Edinburgh, Scotland, William Wilson. He began to learn his father’s trade when he was thirteen years old. He became his father’s partner at age fifteen and took charge of the drafting department at the age of seventeen. When his father retired, the younger Fife took over the business. He continued to learn more about his trade through popular architectural publications such as American Architecture.

His Richardsonian Romanesque-styled buildings became models for many other architects in the intermountain region. It is noted that Ogden’s metropolitan appearance is owed to him.[1] Many of the designs of the stores, office buildings, banks, churches, and residences are owed to him. Some of his works have been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Fife died on August 31, 1897, just barely forty years old. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.