Skip to main content

West Jordan Journal

Gardner Village celebrating a 41-year legacy

May 26, 2021 01:32PM ● By Linda Steele

By Linda Steele l [email protected]

Gardner Village was once a single flour mill built in 1877. The mill is listed on the National Historic Register. Now it is a shopping, dining and event destination. The village is a fun place to plan activities for your family, parties or just go to wander and shop. 

Archibald Gardner was a Scottish immigrant and an original pioneer that settled in Utah in 1847. Gardner and his family established the roots of the mill on the west side of the Jordan River. Horse teams hauled logs from Bingham Canyon to build the first flour mill in 1853. Twenty years later the original mill was moved, and a larger mill was built. Now the historic flour mill and its silo are Archibald’s Restaurant, CF Furniture & Design, the beginnings of Gardner Village today. 

The mill was passed to many owners over the years. Eventually, it was left vacant. Entrepreneur Nancy Long with her retail experience wanted to turn the mill into a furniture store. Nancy worked long and hard to change the mill, and her hard work came to fruition of Country Furniture and Gifts (now CF Home) it opened in 1980. A decade later, her dream of making a restaurant came to pass with the opening of Archibald’s Restaurant in 1990. 

Joe Long, Nancy’s son, along with a hard-working staff helped Nancy by looking for historic buildings. The buildings were moved to the Gardner property. Historic cabins, homes and a train stationer were donated. The property was renovated to re-create the nostalgic village, with a stream that runs through the village, brick-lined paths and covered bridges. 

By taking time to walk through the village and see the historic artifacts that are still in place is a great experience. Gardner Village is on the National Register of Historic Places and received the 1987 Utah Heritage Award the most improved commercial building. 

Nancy Long’s vision continues to guide Gardner Village. Joe Long Nancy’s son and her daughter Angie Gerdes are the owners of Gardner Village. They are working to keep their Mother’s vision alive. “With new event spaces and venues, there are sure to be many exciting changes in the future,and we can’t wait to share them with you,” Joe Long said. 

A great history of Gardner Village started with a mill back in 1853. Now a beautiful village to enjoy great nostalgic experiences for family gatherings, shopping and Christmas events, in addition to soccer, scavenger hunts and a WitchFest in the fall.

Gardner Village is located at 1100 West 7800 South, West Jordan, Utah. Go online at www.gardnervillage.com and find out about joining their email club and leasing opportunities.