Utah Capitol's North Building Renamed for Living Former Governor Mike Leavitt

Utah’s Capitol Hill renovation culminated with the dedication of the North Capitol building as the Michael O. Leavitt Building, a rare tribute to a living former official. Governor Spencer Cox, Senate President Stuart Adams and House Majority Whip Candice Pierucci praised Leavitt’s decade-long governorship, his leadership of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and his subsequent appointment to head the Environmental Protection Agency.

Former U.S. Senator Mitt Romney, who was instrumental in the Olympic organizing committee, attended the ceremony. Leavitt’s 97-year-old father and 94-year-old mother viewed the event online, marking a unique family moment. The $320 million structure, which opened earlier this year, also contains the Museum of Utah, whose exhibits debuted in June. Attendees described the naming as an uncommon honor that reflects Leavitt’s lasting impact on Utah’s culture and economy.