As part of Friday's Salt Lake Temple renovation announcement, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the church will make every reasonable effort to honor and maintain the temple's historic beauty.
"We will strive to preserve its reverent setting and character as originally directed by President Brigham Young," President Nelson said. "We promise that you will love the results."
Here are some questions and answers that will hopefully help those following the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square to better understand how the project will unfold in the coming years.
When will the Salt Lake Temple close?
The Salt Lake Temple will close on Dec. 29, 2019.
How long will the Salt Lake Temple be closed?
The Salt Lake Temple will be closed for about four years. It is expected to reopen in 2024.
How will the renovation affect the plaza and other buildings on Temple Square?
The project will include the removal of the existing temple entry/annex, removal of the South Visitors' Center, renovation of the historic Salt Lake Temple, construction of new temple entry buildings and visitor's pavilions, and new hardscape and landscaping.
The plaza between State Street on the east to the Main Street Plaza will be repaired and refreshed with greater emphasis on the visitor experience and on the Savior.
West of the Main Street Plaza, the temple renovation and nearby site improvements will extend from North Temple to South Temple and between the Tabernacle and Main Street Plaza.
There will still be access to the North Visitors' Center, the Assembly Hall, the Salt Lake Tabernacle and other buildings surrounding the Salt Lake Temple.
How will the Temple Square renovation affect the annual tradition of Christmas lights?
Visitors will still be able to come and see Christmas lights although it may be somewhat limited and smaller during the construction period.