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The arch outside of a mansion that caught fire Saturday, June 7, 2025, is pictured Monday, July 21, 2025, with yellow caution tape and a no trespassing sign.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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The Chipman Mansion in American Fork is shown in an undated photo.

Courtesy Utah County Government

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A charred roof and smoke is shown from the top of a burning home in American Fork on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Centennial Park in American Fork is pictured on Monday, July 21, 2025. Some residents are hoping the city will consider buying the nearby property, the site of a recent mansion fire, and make it a part of Centennial Park.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Onlookers watch as smoke continues to billow from the top of a historic mansion that caught fire Saturday, June 7, 2025, in American Fork.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Nearly two months after a fire torched a historic mansion in American Fork, community members wonder what may become of the site.

One idea recently presented to the City Council could preserve the building’s remains and inspire a gathering amongst community members.

On June 7, smoke and flames were spotted by an off-duty firefighter coming from a well-known large structure, known as Chipman’s Mansion, located at 280 South and Center Street.

Just days after the fire, American Fork resident David Brailsford went before the City Council during their meeting on June 10, proposing that the city acquire the property and integrate it with the adjacent Centennial Park.

In doing so, what’s left of the mansion would be saved, along with various memorabilia and salvageable items.

“I think that would be good for the community, especially that part of the city, and it would draw a lot of people,” he said during a public comment period at the meeting.

Brailsford said the idea came after speaking with his childhood friend, Whit Fitzen, whose parents previously restored the property.

The mansion carries close to two centuries worth of memories with it, from weddings, first dates and even a haunted attraction.

The home was originally built in 1853 by Washburn Chipman, whose three sisters lived in the home for many years until they passed away, according to a Deseret News article published in 1990.

After sitting vacant for 25 years, Afton and David Fitzen purchased the mansion in 1955 and started restoring it along with its gardens.

“I have spent lots of time there as a child, with Whit, and the experiences I had were very positive,” Brailsford recalled. “But then Afton hired me after my admission from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to work weddings and receptions. And just to see the hard work that went into making that piece of property beautiful was amazing.”

Whit Fitzen previously attempted to purchase the mansion from its current owners but wasn’t successful in doing so, the American Fork Citizen reported.

Roni DaRonche-Nielsen, a Draper resident, who grew up in American Fork, said she and her husband also tried to buy the historic property, but the owners wouldn’t take her up on the offer.

“And if I could have, I would have loved to have turned it into something phenomenal,” she said.

DaRonche-Nielsen remembers working at the mansion during her teenage years when the American Fork Ambulance Association hosted a haunted house there.

“They were trying to raise money for a new ambulance, so they asked local teens, you know, to volunteer,” she recounted. “And so many of us did, and it became such a core memory for so many of us.”

Those memories inspired DaRonche-Nielsen to write a book loosely based on her experience at the mansion titled “The Old Manor,” which was published in 2007.

DaRonche-Nielsen said for her and many others who grew up in American Fork, the mansion is a symbol of the city’s history.

“The Chipman mansion has always been a cornerstone of American Fork,” she told the Daily Herald. “So anyone who grew up there, they knew about it.”

Aside from the structure’s unique exterior architecture, DaRonche-Nielsen recalled its stunning interior with detailed tin ceiling and rich red velvet wallpaper.

“From the woodworking to the light fixtures, it is something like you stepped into a secret garden as soon as you walked onto the property,” she described. “Like when you walk through those arches, you have the gravel crunching under your feet, and you’re surrounded by these trees and shrubs, and it’s just, it’s a magical place.”

Despite prior attempts to purchase the mansion from its current owner, and the inferno that has left the mansion’s future uncertain, Brailsford believes if the city were to explore the option — and was successful at it — acquiring the land could highlight its historical significance and community value.

“I think there are some historical things on that property, including the arches out front, a log cabin (and) a bungalow,” he said. “The house is probably a total loss, and quite frankly, it’s sad to see what has happened with the overgrowth (of trees and branches).”

Councilmember Ryan Hunter also shared personal memories during the meeting of growing up near the mansion and participating in community events like the haunted house fundraiser for the fire department.

“It’s just one of those iconic things,” he said. “For years, I’ve watched people comment about that property and what it means.”

While Hunter seemingly appeared on board with potentially exploring the idea, the matter wasn’t discussed any further during the June 10 meeting.

In an emailed response to the Daily Herald’s follow-up question regarding the issue on Wednesday, American Fork City Administrator Camden Bird said they are aware of the request to preserve the land but “have not started any discussion yet one way or the other.”

While DaRonche-Nielsen resides in Salt Lake County, her parents still live in American Fork, she feels the city has an opportunity to save a portion of its history and culture.

Yes, it would take significant work and funding, but I think with the right builder the community supports, I really hope that it can happen,” she said. 

The Daily Herald has attempted to connect with the current owner of the property but has yet to receive a response.