Of the many iconic structures that define the Salt Lake City skyline, none is more recognizable or revered than the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For over a century, its granite spires have reached towards the heavens, a symbol of faith, dedication, and pioneering craftsmanship. Today, this historic edifice is undergoing a monumental renovation, a project of breathtaking scale designed to preserve its legacy for generations to come. At the heart of this historic undertaking is the meticulous work of masonry restoration, and we at Abstract Masonry are honored to be a part of it.
A Landmark Project for a Landmark Structure
Announced in 2019, the Salt Lake Temple renovation is a multi-year project slated for completion in 2027. This is far more than a simple remodel; it is a complete seismic upgrade and a careful restoration aimed at returning the temple to its pioneer-era roots while enhancing its accessibility, safety, and capacity for the future. The entire structure, from its deep foundations to its soaring towers, is being strengthened and renewed.
The sheer scope is immense. The project includes significant seismic upgrades to help the temple withstand large-magnitude earthquakes, the construction of new entry pavilions, and a complete reconfiguration of the temple’s interior and the surrounding grounds. As Church President Russell M. Nelson stated, all upgrades are intended to “emphasize and highlight the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ.” It is a project that looks to the future while deeply honoring the past. For our team at Abstract Masonry, this project is a masterclass in masonry restoration, demanding that we engage with the very stone and mortar that forms the soul of this sacred building.
The Art and Science of Historic Masonry Restoration
The original Salt Lake Temple was a marvel of 19th-century construction, built over 40 years from massive blocks of quartz monzonite granite quarried from Little Cottonwood Canyon. Preserving this legacy is a task that demands both cutting-edge engineering and old-world craftsmanship. Our role in this landmark project is the meticulous restoration and preservation of the temple’s iconic masonry, a responsibility we approach with the utmost precision and reverence.
This is not just patching cracks. It involves understanding the original materials and construction methods. A significant challenge identified during the renovation was that many of the historic interior walls were made from unreinforced masonry. To ensure the building’s structural integrity and safety in a seismically active region, these walls had to be removed and reinforced. This critical work underscores the importance of professional masonry restoration—it is foundational to the temple’s very survival.
Our team is dedicated to upholding the sanctity and historical significance of this structure. We are employing our expertise to carefully preserve and restore the intricate stonework, ensuring its structural and aesthetic integrity for centuries to come. Every decision, from the choice of mortar to the technique used to clean a century of patina from the stone, is made with respect for the original artisans who laid these foundations. This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and historic preservation.
Returning to Pioneer Roots, One Stone at a Time
A guiding principle of the renovation is to restore the temple’s interior to reflect its original Victorian-era design. The temple has undergone several renovations since its dedication in 1893, most notably in the 1960s, which introduced modern aesthetics. Now, extensive historical research has been done to rediscover the original patterns and designs.
Bill Williams, the Church’s director of architecture, notes, “The renovated temple will feel more consistent and more like the original Salt Lake Temple from beginning to end… it will look like a Victorian-era temple, which was never the case after previous renovations.”
This commitment to authenticity directly informs our masonry work. The restored stonework must seamlessly integrate with other preserved historical elements, such as the celestial room, original sealing rooms, the four iconic stone spiral staircases, and the stunningly restored Tiffany stained-glass windows. The goal is to create a cohesive experience where the new and the old are indistinguishable, honoring the pioneer vision.
However, this reverence for the past must be balanced with the needs of the future. While historians and preservationists have painstakingly documented and preserved what they can, some elements, like murals painted on plaster over the unreinforced masonry walls, could not be saved. This reality highlights the delicate balance of the project: preserving the soul of a historic building while ensuring it is a “living building,” as Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé described it, with a long and vibrant future.
Building for the Future with Masonry Restoration
The renovation is also eagerly awaited. The project is expanding the temple’s capacity and accessibility to better serve a global church. The interior will feature two baptisteries instead of one, 22 sealing rooms (up from 13), and five endowment instruction rooms with increased seating. New high-capacity elevators and a central corridor system will make the temple easier to navigate for all visitors.
These modern upgrades, including new heating, air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems, must be integrated into the historic structure. This requires careful planning and execution from every team on site, especially ours. The masonry work provides the literal framework that supports these new systems, blending the historic stone with modern infrastructure in a way that is both functional and beautiful.
It is a profound responsibility to work on a building that means so much to so many. The Salt Lake City Temple is more than just a structure; it is a center of faith and a beacon of hope. The masonry restoration we are undertaking is our contribution to that legacy, ensuring that the temple’s physical form remains as strong and enduring as the faith it represents.
The work continues on Temple Square, a daily effort of hundreds of skilled artisans and craftspeople. We at Abstract Masonry are extremely proud to lend our expertise to this once-in-a-generation project.
For those interested in following the progress of this incredible undertaking, the Church provides regular updates. You can find more information and see the latest developments here: Temple Square Construction Updates.
If your project demands the same level of care, precision, and dedication to historic preservation, contact Abstract Masonry today. Bring our heritage of craftsmanship to your landmark project.