'Up' house could get new paint job

HERRIMAN — At the corner of Meadowside Drive and Herriman Rose Boulevard sits one of the most unique and colorful houses in the Salt Lake Valley. But it is that distinctive look that has stirred a bit of controversy among neighbors in a quiet Herriman subdivision.

A steady steam of people walk in and out of the brightly colored "Up" house on a sunny, brisk Saturday December afternoon. They are excited to see the Disney-Pixar-inspired yellow, orange, green and lavender house that has drawn national attention for its retro design and cartoon colored siding. While most visitors appreciate and enjoy the sherbet-hues of the home's exterior, some neighbors are hoping the outside paint job gets toned down a little.

"When we originally bought here, we were told that all the houses had to abide by certain paint colors on the outside," said Josh Bohrn, who lives directly behind the "Up" house. "We expect it to be painted an earth-tone color similar to the other houses in the neighborhood. That's kind of the way we hope it turns out."

Whether the 2,800 square foot home will have it colors muted is still under consideration, according to builder Blair Bangerter.

"The approval to build this house and have these colors was conditional," he explained. "The homeowners association has rules, but there is a little bit of controversy on whether the house will be allowed to stay these colors."

He said some property owners have voiced concern about the rainbow-colored house, saying the colors do not fit in.

"We see it every morning when we wake up and eat breakfast," Bohrn said. "We would like to not have to see multi-colors as we look out of our windows."

Bohrn acknowledged that the bright colors are what make the house so appealing to many people, including the Bay Area family that bought it last month. Nonetheless, he would prefer to see the home blend in more with the other houses in the neighborhood.

On the other hand, Nicole Marsh who lives right across the street said she would like to see the house keep its one-of-a-kind look.

"We like it how it is," she said. "It's unique and brings people to the area."

Marsh said her family enjoys the distinction the house brings to the neighborhood.

"It improves (property) values," she added. "It’s the "Up" house. If they change the color, it won't be the same."

Bangerter said a decision would likely be made in the next 30 days. But, Clint Hamblin is still hopeful that the home he purchased last month for about $400,000 will be allowed to keep the pastel exterior that he and his wife fell in love with and that prompted them to make the move back to their native Utah a few years earlier than anticipated.

"It's just one of those places," he said. "We really love it and hope to keep the colors."

But Hamblin added that the house is such a perfect fit that if they were forced to change the exterior, they would do so to avoid "ruffling feathers" in their new neighborhood.

He said the family is expected to relocate to their new home in January. Until then, they will work to resolve the "color" controversy and make plans to begin the rest of their lives in their dream home.

"We couldn't ask for anything better," Hamblin said. "It's just a house that we really want to grow old in." 

E-mail: jlee@desnews.com