It has been several months since I took the time to compile a Preservation Update. Let's jump right in!
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The St. George Tabernacle closed a couple of weeks ago for a major renovation that will take up to two years. The sources I've been able to find indicate that these are mostly for seismic purposes, and little changes will be made to the actual building. The project's stated description is to "Perform Structural Upgrades to roof connections, and install helical piers, and others indicated in Contract Documents. Install new wood shake roof." It is estimated to take about 18 months to complete.
The tabernacle was extensively restored in the 1990s, and its appearance now is historically accurate. The St. George Tabernacle is one of the most used--along with well-preserved--tabernacles owned by the Church. Click here to see all the posts documenting this beautiful building.
The tabernacle was extensively restored in the 1990s, and its appearance now is historically accurate. The St. George Tabernacle is one of the most used--along with well-preserved--tabernacles owned by the Church. Click here to see all the posts documenting this beautiful building.
I will probably not follow this renovation as meticulously as I did for the Manti Tabernacle, but I will provide updates, when possible.
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One of the first buildings documented on this blog was the Spring City Endowment House. I visited Spring City last year (to document its chapel) and noticed little changes to the building; however, since then, it has received some fresh coats of paint. Here's the before and after pictures:
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| Before |
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| After (Image Source) |
The building is much more colorful now. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I'm glad to see that it's being so wonderfully preserved.
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The Arizona Central recently ran a report on the Phoenix Area's most endangered historic buildings. Included on the list is the Scottsdale Ward, which was originally built in 1950-1951. Here's the building as it originally looked:
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| (Image Source: Church History Library) |
And as it looks now:
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| (Image Source) |
It's a shame this building is coming to its end. It may not be the most unique in terms of LDS chapels, but we need to keep every historic chapel we can.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for including this in your endangered list. Sadly, it's true that it will be demolished. I was there when it was dedicated December 21,1952 (though I was very very young.) There were many many additions throughout the years. In November 1973, portions of it were burned (arson), and it was decided to sell the property, even though it was repairable. For many years it was an office building. But now, sometime in April, they will begin to take it apart. I can tell you, we are all very, very sad. I did learn that there is a "time capsule" box within the cornerstone, which was put there at the dedication. We are currently working with the company that owns the building to get the cornerstone and capsule. They have agreed to give it to us and we are just working out the details. You can see the cornerstone in the bottom picture. That picture shows the original part of the building. If you're interested, I can send you other pictures and more details about it. Thanks so much for this fascinating website!
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris! I hope you're able to get the cornerstone and its contents!
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