Stepping onto the grounds of Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah, is like stepping back in time. Located in the heart of the Salt Lake Valley, this historic destination captures the atmosphere of Utah’s early pioneer mill industry, centered around the historic 1877 Gardner Mill.

A Premier Shopping, Dining and Event Destination
Today, Gardner Village features dozens of locally owned small shops offering on-trend home decor, furniture, clothing, jewelry, gifts, books, antiques DIY crafts and more. Visitors can enjoy local dining at local restaurants, experience family-friendly attractions like a petting zoo, pony rides, an escape room, and a day spa, or host special events at charming venues.

Discover the History of Gardner Village
Explore the story of how a single flour mill built in 1877 transformed into a thriving historic landmark and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as an official Utah Historic Site.

Utah Pioneer Archibald Gardner and the Mill's Beginnings

Archibald Gardner was a Scottish immigrant who was one of the original pioneer settlers in Utah back in 1847. In the 1850’s, Gardner and his family began establishing the roots of an industrious hub on the west side of the Jordan River. Logs were hauled by horse teams from the Bingham Canyon to build the first West Jordan flour mill in 1853. Over 20 years later, the original mill was moved and a larger mill was erected in its stead in 1877. Now home to Archibald’s Restaurant and CF Home Furniture & Design, this historic 1877 flour mill and its silo were the beginnings of what Gardner Village is today.

Archibald Gardner’s Legacy: From the Salt Lake Temple to Gardner Village

Archibald Gardner was instrumental in the building of the Salt Lake Temple. During the early construction, problems developed with the temple's foundation. Large cracks were discovered in portions of the original work. Brigham Young and his advisers determined that portions of the foundation needed to be removed and rebuilt to better support the enormous weight of the temple. Archibald's recommendation and advice to Brigham Young gave way for the new, stronger foundation of the temple. Read more about Archibald's involvement with the Salt Lake Temple here. His engineering ingenuity extended beyond the temple grounds, shaping the very foundation of what would become Gardner Village.

Nancy Long’s Vision: Transforming the Historic Mill

The Mill and surrounding property passed to other owners over the years, until it was eventually left vacant. In 1979, Nancy Long bought the Mill with the intentions of converting it into her family's home. However, her retail experience and entrepreneurial spirit prompted her to turn it into a furniture store instead. Transforming the old, abandoned property was not easy, but Nancy worked tirelessly to breathe new life into it, and Country Furniture and Gifts, now CF Home, opened in May of 1980. A decade later, her dream of opening a restaurant in the mill came true with the opening of Archibald's Restaurant in 1990.

Wanting to keep the history of the mill intact, historic aspects were intentionally left in place. For a trip back in time, take a walk through CF Home and Archibald’s Restaurant to see some remarkable artifacts. It’s no wonder the Gardner Mill landed itself on the National Register of Historic Places and received the 1987 Utah Heritage award for the most improved commercial building.

With the help of her family and a hardworking staff, Nancy paid for a newspaper ad looking for historic buildings, which were then moved to the Gardner property. Historic homes, cabins, and even a train station were donated and renovated at the property to re-create a charming village, complete with a winding stream, brick-lined paths and covered bridges.

The Early Years in Photos

Gardner Village Today: A Second-Generation Family Legacy

Like the waterwheel that once powered the mill, Nancy Long’s clarity of vision continues to guide Gardner Village. Today, the ownership has passed to a new generation. Nancy’s son, Joe Long, and daughter, Angie Gerdes, are working to continue the journey their mother began. This talented sibling duo considers it a tremendous honor to operate a business that supports so many employees as well as other small businesses. Under their care, the property continues to evolve and uncover new potential, giving guests reasons to not only visit often for shopping and dining but also celebrate special occasions, traditions, and weddings here!

Tribute to Gardner Village Founder Nancy Long

Nancy Long, founder of Utah's Gardner Village, died November 21, 2022 and is free from her battle with Muscular Dystrophy and complications from a stroke. She was 82. She will be remembered for a colorful life and her entrepreneurial spirit. She wasn’t your run of the mill type of woman. From all of us at Gardner Village, we applaud Nancy for her strength, willingness to take risks and her boundless creativity and passion. She went against the grain and found potential where others didn't.