Draper expecting a boost from temple

DRAPER — City officials say that construction of a new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in town could boost the economy of one of Utah's fastest-growing communities.

Draper Mayor Darrell Smith said it's hard to determine at this point exactly what economic benefit the new temple, whose site was announced Sunday, will be to his city. However, he believes it could eventually be a plus to Draper's economy since the city is looking for more business growth in the South Mountain area.

Templegoers, especially those from outside of Draper, would likely patronize those future businesses as well as existing businesses near I-15.

The new temple — the third to be built in the Salt Lake Valley — is planned for the foothills near Corner Canyon, roughly near 2000 East and 14000 South.

During the church's October General Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced two new temples, one to be built in Twin Falls, Idaho, and the other in the Salt Lake Valley.

Smith said the Draper site has great highway access.

"It will create more traffic for us," he said, but the city is finalizing plans for an extension to the Bangerter Highway that would create at least three major access routes to the temple site.

Regarding a future extension of TRAX into Draper, Smith said the temple site likely won't be a walkable distance from TRAX stops, requiring the service of a UTA shuttle bus.

The LDS Church announced Monday that the new temple will share a large site with a stake center already under construction. The two buildings will share a parking facility.

"I hope there will be enough variation of usage," Smith said, to make the joint parking plan work. He said he has seen such joint parking use for LDS temple/chapel sites in Mexico and they appeared to work very well together.

Smith said the church has scheduled some planning meetings with city officials in the near future to discuss the temple plans.

The new temple will overlook Corner Canyon and face a large open space on its northeast side. In its east bench location it will sit higher than the freeway and the west side of town.