2026-01-01 UPDATE
As of this date, Salt Lake City has not issued a new decision regarding the design review of the proposed building.

2025-09-12 UPDATE
Salt Lake City has rescinded the approval of the apartment building plans pending further information from the developer based on our claim that the structure will affect us. The hearing that was scheduled for Sept. 18, 2025, has been cancelled.

Our struggle is not yet over, but this is welcome news. We very much appreciate all of you who have supported us!

The Summum temple and sanctuary has provided a peaceful environment for people on a spiritual path for close to fifty years, attracting people from all over the world, and now it is being threatened.

Salt Lake City changed zoning and approved plans for a developer to build a ten story apartment building rising over 100 feet high along the south side of our sanctuary and a multi-story parking garage along the west side. Despite raising concerns repeatedly since 2020 about this planned development, we have been completely ignored.

Such a structure will tower above our sanctuary and will impact the amount of sunlight we receive. It will harm our greenhouse and gardens and spiritual practices. There will be times of the year where we receive no sun light at all. It will affect the meditations we practice and teach outside and inside our temple. We regard this as a direct attack upon our ability to practice our religion.

Summum is appealing the approval of this building and has obtained legal representation. On Thursday, September 18 at 5:00pm Mountain Time, the city will hold a Zoom meeting to hear our appeal.

Rendition of the proposed apartment building. On the opposite side is where Summum is located. We will be situated between I-15 and the building and parking structure which will reflect further freeway noise upon us.

This 3D model gives a sense of scale. The building and parking sturcture will tower over our sanctuary.

The public is able to attend this meeting, but is not allowed to speak. Nevertheless, for those of you who appreciate Summum, we welcome and encourage you to attend as your presence may show support for our cause. You can join the Zoom meeting through the link below when the time comes.

https://bit.ly/slc-appeals-09182025
Thursday, September 18, 2025
5:00pm Mountain Time
- Cancelled -