Church Affiliate Releases Plans for Residential Community Near Tooele Valley Utah Temple Site
Contributed By Sydney Walker, Church News staff writer
Overview of the Pioneer Cemetery, looking east. This is an artist's rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
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Updated August 18, 2020
The First Presidency of the Church released the following statement:
We acknowledge the efforts of those who have raised questions and sincere concerns about the Tooele Valley Temple project, including the residential development surrounding the temple. There is a sincere desire on the part of the Church to avoid discord in the community.
Therefore, regardless of the outcome of a pending signature-gathering effort, we have determined to withdraw our rezoning request for the residential portion of the temple project.
We look forward to working with local officials and community members to determine next steps to move forward with the construction of the temple. We hope those from all viewpoints on this matter will treat one another with kindness, civility, and Christlike love.
Original story:
A new residential community proposed by a tax-paying real estate investment affiliate of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is planned to be built around the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Suburban Land Reserve, Inc. (SLR), the Church’s affiliate, released renderings and a site plan via Newsroom on May 5 showing what the community will look like.
Awaiting approval by the Tooele County Commission, the concept plan includes more than 32 acres of open space, parks, and walking trails. Single-family homes are to be built on a variety of lot sizes, in addition to a 55+ active adult community of attached homes.
Ashley Powell, managing director of Investment Properties, said the development will improve and enhance the vacant land around the temple site for future generations.
“We are committed to developing a vibrant neighborhood where people of different ages and income levels will enjoy living within walking distance of the temple,” Powell said. “The temple’s timeless architecture and manicured grounds will be a beautiful, enduring central feature of the community for all who will live there, regardless of religious affiliation.”
Site plan of the proposed residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Steve Romney, president of SLR, said, “In addition to contributing to needed utility infrastructure around the temple, this community will help protect the temple and create a place where people can enjoy the setting of this sacred building in ways that are important and meaningful to them.”
To ensure the concept plan meets land-use standards and regulations, SLR is working closely with Tooele County elected officials, Tooele County planning staff, and the Utah Department of Transportation, according to the release.
Local government approval of the concept plan and market demand will determine the timeline for construction. A groundbreaking date for the temple has not yet been set.
An exterior rendering released on April 7 depicts the three-story, 70,000-square-foot Tooele Valley Utah Temple, which will be located northwest of the intersection of Erda Way and Highway 36 in Erda, Utah.
A rendering of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Interior renderings released on April 28 depict the temple’s design, which features a cast-stone exterior with copper shingles and flowers native to the Tooele Valley, including cliff rose and silvery lupine.
Rendering of the celestial room for the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Overhead view of the natural vegetation walking trail, looking east. This is an artist’s rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Close-up view of the Pioneer Cemetery, looking east. This is an artist’s rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Overhead view of the regional park south parking lot, looking south. This is an artist’s rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Inside the regional park, north parking lot, looking east. This is an artist’s rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Overhead view of the Pioneer Cemetery, looking east. This is an artist’s rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
Overhead view of the southern portion of the regional park, looking east. This is an artist’s rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
An artist’s rendering of a portion of the planned residential community near the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple.
