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SALT LAKE CITY — Construction and renovations at Temple Square will take a little longer than expected.
The current estimated completion date is now in 2026, according to a Thursday news release from the church.
When the construction began, church leaders said it could be completed in 2024. The process includes renovations to the temple — including a seismic upgrade — and changes to the grounds and other buildings. Thursday's statement said church leadership, project consultants and the general contractor support the new estimate.
"Construction milestones will continue to be shared periodically, with a final completion date and temple open house schedule to be determined and shared as soon as feasible," the church statement said.
It explained that when working with historic structures, "unexpected challenges are inevitable," but construction is continuing "at a deliberate and measured pace."
On March 7, workers poured concrete for the footing of the first base isolator under the historic temple, making progress toward the base isolation system which is an important part of the seismic upgrade to the temple.
Workers also have a working concrete slab around the perimeter of the temple to help crews have a clean, level surface as they assemble reinforced steel cages. The news release said this working slab is 35 feet below the former sidewalk around the temple.
Projects on the northwest corner of Temple Square are expected to be completed in early fall of this year, and then work will begin on the southwest corner. That southwest corner, where the Assembly Hall stands, is expected to be closed for one year.
