The Armista Apartments building is one of over 180 urban apartment buildings constructed in Salt Lake City during the first three decades of the 20th century, a period of unprecedented expansion and urbanization. Over sixty percent of those buildings are either listed or eligible for listing in the National Register.

Urban apartments are significant as a distinct and important type of residential building in the city. Apartments are remarkably consistent with one another in terms of building plan, height, roof type, materials, and stylistic features. They were a new and distinct type of early 20th century residential building associated with the rapid urbanization of Salt Lake City which spurred the construction of two opposing types of housing: urban apartments and suburban homes.

Suburban homes represent a rejection of urban conditions. Apartments, on the other hand, document the accommodation of builders and residents to the realities of crowded living conditions and high land values.

Source: NRHP nomination submitted in 1989