Iowa is one step closer to having its first Mormon temple.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church, released renderings Monday of the planned temple, to be built in Johnston.
The drawings show a graceful, white building with an arched entryway complemented by arched windows and a tall steeple, also with arched openings.
Susan Sims, communications director for the church’s Iowa and western Illinois region, said “our local members have been wanting a temple in Iowa for a long time. We all have access to temples in the surrounding states… but this brings it, especially to the metro members, the temple, much closer.”
The plan for the temple was first announced in April as one of 15 the church plans to build around the globe , including one in central Iowa .
The 18,850-square-foot structure will sit on a nearly 20-acre undeveloped site at 9050 N.W. 62nd Ave. just west of the new headquarters of the Fareway supermarket chain. Polk County records show the church bought the land for $2.5 million in October 2023.