The Jordan River Utah Temple closed for an extensive renovation on February 15, 2016. The general floor plan remained the same, but selective interior walls came down to accommodate remodeling of the Celestial Room, bride's room, initiatory areas, and the baptistry including the addition of a separate baptistry entrance. The entire interior and exterior were refreshed and beautified with new furnishings, finishes, carpet, artwork, and murals. Escalators were replaced with staircases. Outdated mechanical and electrical systems were replaced with modern equipment including plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. The roof was replaced, and seismic upgrades were made. Modifications to the landscaping have beautified the temple grounds.

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President Spencer W. Kimball announced plans for the Jordan River Temple on February 3, 1978.

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Groundbreaking and site dedication for the Jordan River Temple was on June 9, 1979.  At the unconventional groundbreaking ceremony of the Jordan River Temple, President Spencer W. Kimball delivered his address, offered the dedicatory prayer, and then mounted a huge Caterpillar tractor. He put into action his oft-quoted admonishment to "lengthen our stride" by operating the controls to move a giant shovelful of dirt.

 

The Temple was dedicated on November 16-20, 1981 by President Marion G. Romney.

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The Jordan River Temple was the seventh temple in Utah; the second in the Salt Lake Valley.

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The temple site was donated to the Church and construction costs were paid for completely by donations of members in 134 stakes.

 

There have been twelve Jordan River Temple Presidents.

 

There are now 18 temples in Utah in operation or planned.

 

The Temple is one of five temples with an angel Moroni statue holding gold plates.

 

The  Temple is the fifth largest temple.

 

The Jordan River Temple is the highest capacity temple with six instruction rooms.

 

The Temple is situated on a 15 acre site and the total floor area of the temple is 148,236 square feet.