Restoration of the Salt Lake Temple

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I just listened to the press conference discussing the upcoming project to restore the Salt Lake Temple.  The link below provides photos of what the update to the SL Temple will look like.  One of the interesting notes that came out of the Q&A with the press is that discussions around this overall project began while Pres. Hinckley was the prophet with the hard core planning taking place over the past 2-3 years.  Some comments I picked up while listening to the news conference and Q&A:

 

• The renovation project will take 5 years.  The temple will close December 29, 2019 and reopen in 2024.
• There will be a public open house prior to a re-dedication at completion of the project.  Historical note:  there was a brief, 1-day tour/open house the day prior to the original dedication where local civic leaders were invited to attend.  It is anticipated the public open house will be HUGE.
• The foundations of the temple will be isolated from the bedrock upon which it’s built for earthquake protection.  The manner will be similar to what was done with the Santiago Chile temple.
• Major upgrades will be made to HVAC, mechanical, etc. systems within the temple.
• The South Visitor Center and Temple Annex will both be removed.  The Annex will be replaced by redesigned entry facilities including a new “Grand Hall” (see photos).  The South Visitor Center will be replaced by two “visitor pavilions”, no additional details given on these as they haven’t really been fleshed out.
• The large, granite walls along North Temple and South Temple streets will be removed and replaced with fencing and gating that will provide much more open views of the temple.  There will also be enhanced access to the immediate area around the temple.  There was no discussion of whether the walls around the western half of Temple Square would be updated as well.
• The Main Street Plaza will also be reconfigured.  Refer to the photos for what it will ultimately look like.
• The endowment will be available in 86 languages following the project.  The ordinance will be available via film as well as continued live presentations.
• Efforts will be made to renew interior features to their original condition and pallet.  E.g., wall, floor and ceiling colors (much more colorful than now), murals will be refurbished, etc.
• Slots are filling up fast for sealing rooms for the rest of 2019.
• Members currently assigned to the SL Temple will NOT be assigned to other temples during the project.  They are invited to attend any available temple.
• Other temples in the area are preparing for anticipated increased patronage.
• Sister missionaries will continue to serve on Temple Square during the renovation as Temple Square (think west of the temple) will continue to be open to the public.
• The temple will be covered with scaffolding for a significant portion of the project.

This is the link to the newsroom article with photos and a replay of the news conference:

https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/plans-unveiled-salt-lake-temple-renovation