The Boise LDS Temple closed in July when construction crews began demolition and renovations.

The project includes new interior finishes, furnishings and remodeled bathrooms. The structure will be reinforced with shear walls, steel beams and floor joists. A mezzanine for maintenance use will be built. On the south side, a 5,000-foot basement addition for a grounds shop, maintenance area and broiler and chiller rooms will replace a maintenance shop and storage area. The fire sprinkler system also will be upgraded.

Landscaping will be replaced with new plants and features, including sidewalks, benches and a water fountain.

“We are expecting a daily average of 50 to 75 workers, with potential increases as the workload changes due to project needs,” said R. Craig Rasmussen, Idaho area director of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The 36,000-square-foot temple was first dedicated in 1984 and saw such high usage that it was closed two years later to add offices, dressing rooms, a baptistry and cafeteria. It was rededicated in 1987 and will be rededicated again when renovations are completed, Rasmussen said.

Sandra Forester: 377-6464

Work inside and out will take about a year to complete, a church spokesman says.