See the Residential Community Planned Near Site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple

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 Article

Plans have been released for a new walkable, sustainable, high-quality residential community to be built around the site of the Tooele Valley Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The temple will be located northwest of the intersection of Erda Way and Highway 36 in Erda, Utah. The community surrounding the temple is being proposed by Suburban Land Reserve, Inc. (SLR), a tax-paying real estate investment affiliate of the Church. SLR has released new renderings and a site plan showing what the community will look like. (Renderings showing the planned design of the temple were released previously.)

“This development will improve and enhance the vacant land around the temple site for generations to come,” said Ashley Powell, managing director of Investment Properties. “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. 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.”

The concept plan, which is subject to approval by the Tooele County Commission, includes more than 32 acres of open space, parks and walking trails set among single-family homes to be built on a variety of lot sizes, as well as a 55+ active adult community of attached homes. If the concept plan is approved, SLR will engage leading local and regional homebuilders to construct the proposed community.

New sewer, water and other utilities infrastructure will be needed to improve this largely vacant land. The proposed residential community makes these utilities economically and functionally viable.

“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,” said Steve Romney, president of SLR.

The timeline for construction will be determined following local government approval of the concept plan and will depend on market demand. A groundbreaking date for the temple has not been set yet. In seeking approval for the residential development surrounding the temple, SLR is working closely with Tooele County elected officials, Tooele County planning staff and the Utah Department of Transportation to ensure the concept plan meets or exceeds all applicable land-use standards and regulations.