No official name for the structure has yet been announced, but official literature now refers to it as the "South Jordan Utah" temple. Though a construction schedule hasn't been detailed, it is anticipated the structure will become the fourth LDS temple in the Salt Lake Valley.

Its location within the same city as the Jordan River Temple (dedicated in 1981), which is roughly 30 blocks to the east and 12 blocks north of the new temple site, makes South Jordan the only city in the world that will be home to two LDS temples. Population growth in southwest Salt Lake County has exploded since the mid-1980s, when much of the area was still pasture and farmland.

Across the valley to the east, much the same growth scenario is playing out near the Draper Temple, which is now under construction on a 12-acre site in the Corner Canyon area at 2000 East and 14000 South. Draper city officials approved the plans last spring, and a groundbreaking ceremony followed in August.

That building will be 57,000 square feet, with the spire reaching 166 feet, topped by a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni. Designed much like the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, it will feature white walls, a central spire and a stair-step design.

Completion of the Draper Temple is expected in 2008.

A new temple typically means an increase in the property values in the area, and the South Jordan site was no different. Prices for building lots shot up after the announcement, as they did when plans for the Draper Temple were announced in October 2004. Property values around that site more than doubled. A similar increase occurred in 1995 when plans for the Bountiful Temple were announced.

The LDS Church currently has 124 temples in operation worldwide, with 10 others announced or under construction.

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