Magna, Utah, is a small town just west of Salt Lake City, but it’s packed with character. Its Main Street feels like it came out of a movie—and in fact, it often has. With historic buildings, lively community events, and modern planning tools, Magna is the perfect mix of past and future. Whether you’re a visitor or a curious local, there’s a lot to enjoy here.
Let’s explore the top 5 things that make Magna’s Main Street so special.
1. The Empress Theatre – A Historic Gem Still in Action
The Empress Theatre is the heart of Magna’s Main Street. It opened in 1916 and was once the place where miners and their families gathered to watch plays and silent films. The building’s fancy design is known as Beaux-Arts architecture, with beautiful windows and details that make it stand out.
Today, the Empress still hosts shows, thanks to groups like the Empress Youth Theatre and OnStage Ogden. Local actors and students perform here all year long, keeping the arts alive in the community.
As Preservation Utah once said, “The Empress is more than a building—it’s a heartbeat.” If you’re visiting Magna, catching a play or just admiring this old theater is a must.
2. Colossal Bean – Coffee, Comfort, and Community
Right on Main Street is a cozy spot called Colossal Bean. This coffee shop is where people of all ages gather to relax, work, or meet friends. It serves all the usual favorites—like lattes, pastries, and smoothies—but it also has a warm, small-town vibe that makes you want to stay awhile.
Many people say Colossal Bean feels like “Magna’s living room.” You’ll see artists sketching, students doing homework, and neighbors chatting about town events. It’s also a favorite spot for film crews to grab a break while shooting in the area!
3. Magna Copper Park – A Community Favorite
If you’re in the mood for some outdoor fun, Copper Park is just a short walk from Main Street. This park was recently updated based on feedback from locals. They shared their ideas using a tool called the Digital Twin—a 3D model of Magna’s Main Street that helps the city plan smart changes.
Thanks to the input, Copper Park now has:
- Pickleball courts
- Skateboarding areas
- Playgrounds for kids
- Open space for relaxing or community events
It’s a great place for families, teens, or anyone who wants a break from the busy world.
4. Historic Storefronts and Mixed-Use Charm
Walking down Magna’s Main Street feels like stepping into the past. Many of the buildings were built in the early 1900s and still carry that old-fashioned charm. They’re mostly one- or two-story brick buildings in a style called Commercial Style—simple but strong.
But this street is more than just old buildings. It’s alive with action. You’ll find:
- A library,
- A dentist,
- A bar,
- A church,
- And even local art shops—all on the same block!
Today, Magna is also encouraging mixed-use zoning. That means people can live in apartments above shops or run small businesses downstairs while living upstairs. It’s a smart way to make the town livelier and help people live close to where they work or create.
5. Digital Twin Technology – Planning the Future
One of the most exciting things about Magna’s Main Street is what you can’t see—at least, not with your eyes. After a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in 2020 damaged many old buildings, the town decided to rebuild smarter.
With help from the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD) and tech company ESRI, Magna created a Digital Twin. This is a 3D, computer-made version of the town that lets people see changes before they happen.
On the Magna Historic District Revival Plan website, you can explore ideas like:
- Adding housing above stores
- Putting in new lights and sidewalks
- Building a skate park
- Seeing how traffic might flow
It’s like playing a video game—but it’s real life. It also helps people share ideas and vote on what’s best for the town.
Conclusion
Magna’s Main Street is a place where history meets hope. From the grand Empress Theatre to the community-centered Copper Park and high-tech Digital Twin planning, Magna is proving that even small towns can do big things.
Whether you’re enjoying coffee at Colossal Bean, watching a play at the Empress, or just strolling past old storefronts, there’s something special here.
Magna is not just a movie set. It’s a real place filled with pride, creativity, and progress. And the best part? Everyone is welcome to experience it. Visit once, and you’ll see why locals love calling Magna Main Street home.
FAQ’s
1. What is the Empress Theatre in Magna known for?
It’s a historic theater from 1916 that still hosts plays and shows, run by local theater groups.
2. What is the Digital Twin of Magna?
It’s a 3D computer model of Main Street used for planning future improvements and getting community feedback.
3. What can I do on Magna’s Main Street?
You can enjoy coffee shops, visit the Empress Theatre, play at Copper Park, explore historic buildings, and more!
