This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
For three years, Utahns have seen downtown Ogden's Space Age Mormon temple gradually take on a more traditional LDS temple look — at least from the outside.
Come August, they'll be able to witness that transformation from the inside.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that the renovated temple will be open to public viewing Aug. 1 through Sept. 6. The edifice then will be rededicated Sept. 21.
"The temple's entire exterior has been reshaped with new stone and art glass, and the temple entrance was moved from the west side to the east side, where it faces Washington Boulevard, one of the city's main streets," the Utah-based faith noted on its newsroom website. "The renovation of the temple also includes reconfigured rooms and new energy-saving electrical, heating and plumbing systems. Other notable improvements include underground parking and a complete relandscaping of the temple block and inclusion of a major water feature."
Renovation of the Ogden Temple — originally dedicated in January 1972, a month before its twin in Provo (which is not planned for a makeover) — began in April 2011.
When it reopens, it will be the 14th Mormon temple in Utah. Three more have been announced or are under construction — in Payson, Cedar City and Provo.
Mormons see temples as houses of God, where they take part in their faith's highest sacraments, including eternal marriage.