SALT LAKE CITY — The LDS Institute of Religion in Salt Lake City, which began in a small classroom with 60 students during the 1934 school year, has since grown to meet the needs of some 6,000 students. Such growth led to last summer's announcement of a new LDS institute building adjacent to the University of Utah and culminated in groundbreaking ceremonies for the 114,000 square-foot building on 26 January 2001.
The spacious new facility, which will serve the needs of 10,000 students, will replace the existing building at 1800 E. Campus Drive and two chapels, which were demolished earlier this year. Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone of the Quorum of the Seventy presided over the noon program in the chapel of the current institute building and the subsequent groundbreaking ceremony. The president of the University of Utah, LDS Institute officials and students were also in attendance.
Ralph Swiss, director of Physical Facilities and Real Estate for the Church Educational System, said, "This is an important day to reflect on the growth of one of the Church's oldest institute programs and look forward to the future of providing a place where young people can associate with others who have the same high ideals."
Brittney Maxfield, a University of Utah student who is currently enrolled in seven institute courses, expressed enthusiasm over the new building, "I think it's great! It will be beautiful—such an improvement, even over this building."
The new building will include two separate wings connected by a glass-enclosed atrium. Each wing wil include a chapel and multipurpose area for Sunday worship as well as a cultural hall for sports and other student activities during the week. The institute building will also provide numerous classrooms, office space for faculty and a family history center.
In addition, Swiss said, "The new facility will be designed to provide the very best we can to meet the needs of those with disabilities. There will be easy access to get in and out of the building and elevators to get them from various levels."
The LDS Institute of Religion was created as a place where students can increase their spiritual knowledge along with their academic pursuits. It is one of 321 Church-maintained institute buildings throughout the world, meeting the needs of over 316,000 students.
The institute building, which was designed by Jensen Haslem Architects and is being constructed by Bud Bailey Construction Inc., is slated for completion in the summer of 2002.
