The church has provided elevations to show what the new structure will look like:
BEFORE
AFTER
Isn't that a much more dignified design? I believe so. I can see the temple out my back window, I look forward to the better view. The church's desire to bring the Temple into line with more traditional architectural design reflects its commitment to seeing Downtown Ogden rejuvenate. The church has already completed Ensign Plaza to the south of the temple lot and recently completed building Colonial Court II to the north. This announcement is VERY exciting news. Construction will begin in late 2010 or early 2011 and be completed in 12-18 months.
For fun, lets rewind the clock to 1968 and see what used to be on the temple lot...The old Ogden Tabernacle:
This photo was taken just prior to demolition of this formerly beautiful Victorian building. During the 1960's the church went through a weird phase of demolishing pioneer landmarks in the spirit of "New is Better". The Old Tabernacle was an unfortunate victim of this trend. Prior to being white washed like it is in this photo, it boasted ornate finials and multiple tones of color. It was demolished to accommodate the temple there currently. Fortunately for historic landmarks, the church reversed the demolition trend and now tries to preserve its architectural treasures.
Lets look forward to more rejuvenation in Downtown Ogden as the LDS Church invests in our urban center!
Posted by Jeremy Peterson
Ogden, Utah Real Estate Broker
Mountain Real Estate Companies
801-390-1480
4 comments:
You wrote, "During the 1960's the church went through a weird phase of demolishing pioneer landmarks in the spirit of "New is Better". "
And now the church is doing it again, destroying an iconic 40-year old building. The church is making a big mistake. What a waste of money!
I am glad the new temple will be borrowing 1930's style elements that will compliment many of the structures in downtown. Although the "Space Age" temple is an icon from an American era, I think the new design will stand the test of time better. This previous design seemed better suited for a theme park given its unusual lines.
The symbolism was muted but when walking the grounds I could appreciate the ornamentation and symbolic effect they provided.
Nevertheless, I stand by my opinion.
Careful when you use others' catchphrases without attribution. I don't think you understand the "Space Age" temple style and its importance in church architecture.
While you may not 'like' the style or think it will stand the test of time, keep in mind the Salt Lake Temple and all early Mormon temples were a product of their time. Nauvoo was built in the prominent Greek Revival style of the day. You can find many examples and structure that look similar to Nauvoo in New England and Ohio. Provo and Ogden are a symbol of their time and the style is honest. The rebuilt temple will not be.
The symbolism goes beyond just Space Age architecture though, it is an ancient religious symbol of the pillar of fire and the cloud. For more see my blog post...
http://utah-rchitecture.blogspot.com/2010/02/utahs-space-age-temples-in-ogden-and.html
Vitruvius,
Your blog post was enlightening. It is definitely apparent that the Ogden temple in its "Space Age" form was designed more as an ordinance machine and less as an edifice of endearment. As you mentioned, the choice to use commercial materials in construction lends to that impression.
Given such, we need to return this temple to being a "sacred place" instead of just a meeting space for temple ordinances.
The parabola is an interesting symbol but I think its lost of most of the membership. For the majority of members to appreciate symbolism, they first need to appreciate the appearance of a structure.
I think the new temple will accomplish this if thought is also given to a new symbolic motif.
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