LDS Church hits milestone on Salt Lake City Temple renovation project

Yahoo

a day ago

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Following several years of renovation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced significant progress on the .
Some of the upgrades include a new foundation, new footings, and base isolators which will limit the temple's movement in the case of an earthquake, according to a recent release by the Church Newsroom.
The upper foundation, which the temple sits on currently, is separated from the ground. Adjustable footings and careful monitoring across the temple base allow crews to raise or lower the entire temple, while keeping the several metric tons level.
The extensive construction project, which has been in progress since 2020, has focused on improving its ability .
While other important aspects of the renovation have been completed, the seismic upgrade is extensive and difficult, which contributed to the long timeline. Church officials say the project is reportedly in final stages.
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The Salt Lake City Temple is expected to open in April 2027.
It seems the long timeline will be well worth it, though, as these renovations will be essential to long-term seismic protection. Senior project manager Robert Belvin notes that the temple 'can move in and out, left and right and up and down just a little bit at all times'.
Fortunately, church leaders say the seismic upgrades shouldn't impact patron experience, when the temple reopens. Ultimately, only a small stainless-steel band aligned with the paved plaza should be visible. As construction crews work on the temple's stability, artists have been working on restoring the pioneer-era interior.
Inside the Salt Lake City Temple — a look at the ongoing interior renovations
'Not only am I carrying on the family's tradition in such a real way, but I'm carrying on the tradition of the pioneers who were able to make something so beautiful,' says Isabella Riccio, whose family's art studio has been working on the renovation.
The public now has access to newly renovated areas including the Joseph Smith Memorial Building lobby and garden restaurant, main street plaza, and northwest and southwest corners of Temple Square.
The Church will rededicate the temple in October 2027.
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