638 Park Avenue
Kimball Garage

Historic photo

Recent Photo

This was the site of the Kimball Brothers Livery Stables, whose primary business was the rental of ore wagons and horses to the mine companies. Also horses for miners to ride to and from town to the mine company boarding houses in the mountains. The livery business became obsolete with the advent of automobiles. The present building was constructed for the Kimball Garage in 1929. Automotive repair service was provided on the main floor and automobile storage in the basement during the winter. In later years, Fred Eley acquired the building and established the Eley Motor Company. Finally in 1972, the depressed metal prices and the decline of mining forced Eley to close his business. In 1975, William Kimball (no relation to other Kimballs), a frequent visitor from California, was inspired to develop an art center for the growing town. After investigating several sites, he selected the abandoned Eley Garage and began extensive interior remodeling. The exterior of the Kimball Art Center remains much like the original appearance. After more than 20 years the Kimball Art Center continues as a cultural center for Park City.