dubbed the “city between the canyons,” cottonwood heights is one of the more affluent locales in salt lake valley. sitting on the eastern edge of the city, residential areas run up the foothills while popular retail establishments lie closer to the valley floor. a number of well-known corporations, including overstock.com, have their corporate headquarters in cottonwood heights. in the summer, butlerville days is a popular annual community event. the cottonwood heights recreation center is a community gem in both the winter and summer. it has one of the best outdoor pools in salt lake, as well as a year-round ice rink and fitness center. hiking, running and cycling are popular activities for many residents. forbes magazine has ranked utah the no. 1 state for business four out of the last five years. salt lake county is the home of the nba’s utah jazz, real salt lake of the mls, university of utah pac-12 athletics and was the host of the 2002 winter olympic games.
ron molen moved many times throughout his life, and this is one of the homes he built for himself. i’ve always admired homes designed by architects for their own use; they often boast superior craftsmanship, choice locations, and unique features that set them apart. this personal residence is no exception––this is the premiere lot in this planned development, sitting on just over a third of an acre. this is also the largest molen home i′ve seen, and it′s more than double the size of most of his other homes in the neighborhood.
ron spared no expense in selecting finishes and incorporating his signature design elements into this home. the iconic conversation pit, striking aggregate floors, and distinctive rough-sawn wood walls are all quintessential molen features that define this space. however, what truly distinguishes this property is the incredible outdoor area. the aggregate flooring seamlessly extends from the interior to the poolside, creating a cohesive environment and a fluid transition between living, playing, and entertaining. positioned on a prime corner lot, the expansive backyard was clearly designed to be a focal point of the living experience, offering a perfect setting for intimate and communal gatherings alike. ron’s architectural expertise extended beyond the house itself; his landscapes were equally well-conceived and beautifully executed. this property has maintained the timelessly cool, mid-century modern elements that ron envisioned, while updates to the primary bath make it functional and stylish for contemporary living. while some modernizations have been made, there’s still room for the next owner to add their personal touch and make this home truly their own.
whether you’re seeking a spacious residence with a pedigree, or looking for single-level living with the option to rent out the basement, this property offers something rare in today’s market. it′s the perfect blend of size, style, and architectural heritage, tucked into one of the most unique subdivisions around. lower level is ready for a great possible rental or mother in law.
