Work Begins On Church Office Building Plaza Renovation
Jan 11, 2021, 4:22 PM
An artist's rendering shows how the plaza between the Church Office Building (right) and the Church Administration Building (left) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will look after an 18-month renovation to re-waterproof the deck and add new landscaping. The design includes international flags to reflect the Church's global membership. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Crews have started renovation work on the Church Office Building plaza as part of the larger renovation of the Salt Lake Temple that began more than a year ago.
Officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the project, which is expected to take 18 months to complete, will replace the fountain with ample green space and gardens.
“Our design of the landscaping on this plaza and around the temple will open up access and views to the temple and make it more inviting for people to feel welcome here on the grounds of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Andy Kirby, director of historic temple renovations for the Church.
Church officials said the current fountain and surrounding water-circulation system have been leaking for several years, posing a hazard for the parking garage underneath.
The new plaza will feature a new waterproofing system and a circle of flags to emphasize and celebrate the global makeup of the Church.
The Church currently has more than 16.5 million members in 196 nations and territories.
“We will remove this fountain, and we’ll have a large circle of flags here from many nations of the world to celebrate the international nature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Kirby said.
At the end of the 18-month project, crews will then shift their focus to the Main Street Plaza.
