The Phoenix Arizona Temple was announced on the 28th of May 2008, about a month after the Gila Valley and Gilbert Temple was announced. It was to be situated on 8 acres of property owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints next to the adjacent Meeting house on 5220 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. In June 2009, church officials met w/ the neighbors to discuss the intended usage as well as to address concerns. on Sept. 2009 the residents had a 2nd meeting about the temple. One resident expressed his support about the idea of having a softly lit facility on what was then called a "dumping ground." those in opposition expressed concerns regarding the fact that they can't even enter the temple, thereby it's no benefit. they also felt that it would be out of place. lighting was also a major concern. one resident spoke her objection to the lighting saying: "To light up that spire like a torch until 11:00 pm would be a severe detriment to us." they accused us as being "Johnny-come latelies." another concern was the height of the 126-ft. spire.
At the time the temple was two stories occupying approximately 25,000-28,000 square feet. and was to somewhat resemble the Draper Utah Temple having sets of thin pilisters flanked w/ windows on either side according to the rendering. the roof line was to be 48 ft. tall w/ a 78 foot spire that resembles the spire atop the Denver Colorado Temple, and was to have 2 ordinance rooms and 2 sealing rooms.
On the 15th of October preliminary approvals were given.
In November: Planning and Zoning gives the City Council the recommendation.
residents picket at nearby meetinghouse to protest temple.
Addendum was issued to reduce roof height by 8 feet. giving the roofline 40 ft. not 48 as previously been the case. still 126 ft. with additional 8 ft. to spire.
December 2nd: City Council gives the temple greenlight to begin construction, foes threaten to gather signatures for a referandum.
December 30th: Opponents gather signatures for referandum. thereby potentially delaying construction.
January, 2010: after long lenthy meeting w/ nearby homeowners, church decides to lower and redesign the temple.
August 17th, 2010 redesign was submitted. a meeting with homeowners. the redesign has a full basement and the occupied areas do not exceed the 30 foot limit the square footage was expanded to 58,000 square feet. however the opponents have not embraced citing concerns. over traffic, height of 90 ft spire as well as the flood lighting.
Sometime Fall 2010: preliminary approvals were given.
Homeowners continue protests.
Feb. 2nd, 2011 county issues dust control permit.
March 2011: Preliminary construction begins.
Opponents float balloons to protest height of temple.
June 1st or 2nd Church and Homeowners made compromises including to reduce the spire one foot and lower the foundation or spire platform 3 feet. thereby making overal height 116 ft. as well as to put a traffic stoplight on Pinnacle Peak Rd. and 51st avenue. they've also agreed to work together on having Pinnacle Peake rd widened.
June 4th Groundbreaking ceremony was held, presided by Ronald A. Rasband.
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