Phoenix Mormon Temple Under Construction

In mid-March 2012, the foundation and basement walls of the Phoenix Arizona Mormon Temple neared completion.  The city of Phoenix planned to widen the road in front of the temple complex.  The project is expected to be completed in late 2013.

The basement will contain the baptistery, some patron dressing rooms, temple-worker preparation, instruction and dressing rooms, and storage.  [1]  Underground plumbing at the basement level had just been started.

The construction of the Phoenix Mormon Temple faced two years of protests mounted by neighbors concerned about height, lighting and traffic congestion.  An accord was reached less than a year ago, allowing construction to move forward.  A committee comprised of neighborhood representatives,  the Mormon temple president and the president of the local Mormon stake (group of congregations) meets regularly to make sure concerns are aired and addressed.

Neighborhood organizer Scott Anderson, a member of the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition, said the relationship between neighbors and the church “is cordial.” [1]