After retreating in August on plans to put high-density housing around the proposed Tooele Valley Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Tuesday that it will relocate and rename the temple as well.
The three-story, 70,000-square-foot, newly named Deseret Peak Utah Temple — with the same exterior and interior designs as the originally planned edifice — will be built west of the intersection of 2400 North 400 West in Tooele.
The valley’s temple had been scheduled to go up northwest of the intersection of Erda Way and Highway 36.
But the temple — even in a state where the 16.5 million-member global faith is headquartered — and especially the now-abandoned residential community proved divisive in the community.
The faith’s governing First Presidency pulled back on the housing project after opponents appeared poised to get a spot on the ballot to reverse approval of the rezoning.
“There is a sincere desire on the part of the church to avoid discord in the community,” the top church leaders wrote in mid-August. “...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.”
Critics feared the housing project 30 miles west of Salt Lake City would change the area’s rural feel.
Tuesday’s move of the planned temple farther south reflects that some divisions still remained.
“The First Presidency expresses gratitude for the faith and prayers of church members in this area,” a church news release stated Tuesday, “and continues to encourage all people to treat one another with kindness and Christlike love.”
