George H. Brimhall Building

This building was originally the Mechanical Arts Building and was constructed for the purpose of providing intensive vocational training for the Student Army Training Corps during World War I. At the time of completion in 1919, auto mechanics, blacksmithing, and woodworking were taught in this building.

The Deed of Trust for Brigham Young Academy directed that “Each of the boys who shall take a full course, if his physical ability will permit, shall be taught some branch of mechanism that shall be suitable to his taste and capacity.” During the Maeser Administration, the curriculum included drawing, shop work, and some surveying. During the early part of the twentieth century, the program was referred to as the “Manual Training Program.” The Mechanical Arts Building (first floor of the Brimhall Building) provided a facility in which the Mechanical Arts (later changed to Industrial Arts) could be taught and the direction of the Deed of Trust be honored.

In 1935, two floors were added and the name was changed to the George H. Brimhall Building. Mr. Brimhall was a BYU graduate and former president of the university. He was born in a log cabin in Salt Lake City and supported himself while attending Brigham Young University by working at the school as a janitor and assistant to President Cluff. During his tenure as president, the university purchased this piece of the campus, which was known as Temple Hill. The Maeser and Grant Buildings were both constructed during the Brimhall era. He also saw the realization of his dream to provide graduate education at the university and was able to award the first master’s degree.