Amidst the ongoing renovations of the Salt Lake City Temple, significant progress has been reported as the iconic towers now rest upon a new seismic foundation. According to an update from officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the recent completion of concrete transfer girders allowed the weight of both the east and west towers to be successfully transferred onto this newly constructed base. This step marks a critical juncture in the multi-year endeavor to not only restore but also to retrofit the historic temple against future earthquakes.
The seismic upgrade is part of a larger renovation effort that was only partially deterred when an earthquake in 2020 dislodged the trumpet from the hands of the Angel Moroni statue. As reported by KUTV, this statue has been meticulously restored and returned to its position earlier this year. Even with this setback, the project managed to keep steadfastly marching forward and contribute to the reopening of several previously closed areas of Temple Square.
Beyond structural enhancements, the renovation included revamping the plazas surrounding the temple. "Robot" technology expedited the process, cutting the expected timeline by a year. This innovative solution came as a relief to construction crews faced with the daunting task of repairing leaking plaza membranes by hand, a complication that arose from deterioration over the decades. Paul Shingleton, the plaza project manager for Jacobsen Construction, explained, as per KSL, how the use of robots greatly reduced construction time.
Not stopping at structural resilience, creative landscaping took precedence once the concrete and waterproofing work was completed. The plaza was designed around an ellipse, with Adam Hicken, project general manager for R.J. Masonry, emphasizing the precision required in following mathematical equations to ensure accuracy. This element, along with the installation of a radiant heating system designed to melt snow and ice, exemplifies the meticulous attention to both functionality and aesthetics in the renovation project. Details of these advancements in construction and design were outlined according to an interview with Adam Hicken conducted by KSL.
The comprehensive refurbishment of the Salt Lake City Temple reflects a blend of historical preservation and modern engineering. With parts of Temple Square already inviting the public back to its renewed spaces, the church’s renovation project continues to demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding its landmark for generations to come, as well as enhancing the experience of its visitors, as obtained by ABC4.
