The Princess Alice House: A Story of Legacy and Value

The Princess Alice House is more than just a home—it’s a piece of history. Built in 1906 by the Ranck family and cherished by only two families over its 118 years, this residence is a testament to timeless craftsmanship and enduring love. With its original hardwood floors, vintage transom windows, and intricate architectural details, the property presented a unique opportunity for buyers who appreciate charm and history.

When tasked with selling this iconic property, I knew a traditional approach wouldn’t do it justice. My strategy combined storytelling, preservation of its rich history, and modern marketing techniques. By leveraging professional videography, captivating lifestyle photography, and historical narratives, I created a campaign that resonated with the right buyers—those who saw value beyond square footage and modern finishes.

Additionally, I collaborated with preservation-minded buyers and agents, emphasizing the home’s potential to secure historic registry status. Through targeted marketing and personalized outreach, I showcased the property’s unique story and unmatched character.

The result? The Princess Alice House sold at a premium, surpassing the initial expectations of my clients. My dedication to understanding the home’s legacy and its market value not only brought the right buyer to the table but also ensured my clients received top dollar for their cherished property. This sale is a testament to the impact of tailored strategies, market knowledge, and a commitment to excellence.

Here’s the story of Princess Alice as it unfolded in history:

In 1916, Salt Lake City was abuzz with excitement. The Sells Floto Circus had come to town, bringing with it exotic animals and grand performances. Among the attractions was a majestic Asian elephant named Princess Alice, who quickly became a local favorite.

As the circus prepared to leave, the Salt Lake Telegram proposed an idea: why not let the city’s children help purchase an elephant for the local zoo in Liberty Park? Donations poured in from children, families, and prominent citizens. By the end of the campaign, enough money—$3,250—had been raised to purchase Princess Alice. She walked triumphantly from the circus grounds to her new home at the zoo, accompanied by her caretaker, Emil “Dutch” Schider.

Despite her new home, Alice was no ordinary zoo resident. Her enclosure at Liberty Park was modest, and she was frequently allowed out for exercise. This freedom led to several daring escapes, during which she wandered the streets of Salt Lake City, delighting—and occasionally startling—the locals.

One such adventure brought Princess Alice to Millcreek, where her escapades left a lasting mark. A homeowner, Eliza, who was wheelchair-bound, was in her kitchen when the room suddenly grew dark. Thinking it might be an eclipse, she looked out the window, only to come face-to-face with the enormous, curious eyes of Princess Alice. The elephant, having wandered from her enclosure, stood there quietly gazing into the kitchen. For Eliza, and surely for anyone else who encountered the gentle giant, it was a moment to remember.

Alice’s escapades didn’t go unnoticed. In 1931, her frequent wanderings were one of the reasons the zoo was moved from Liberty Park to its current location on land donated by the Hogle family, providing larger, more secure enclosures for the animals.

Princess Alice remained a beloved figure at the zoo for the rest of her life. She passed away in 1953, at the age of 69, and even in death, her story captured the hearts of Salt Lake City residents. A newspaper editorial lamented her fate, saying, “Surely a princess, even an old, old one, deserves a better final fate than a truck ride to the soap factory.”

Princess Alice’s legacy lives on, not just in the history of Salt Lake City, but also in the stories passed down through homes like the one in Millcreek, where she made her unforgettable visit.