"[5][6] Numerous colonies had been set up in Arizona by the church during the last half of the nineteenth century, and plans had been discussed for a temple in the area as early as 1908, but the start of World War I stopped these for a while.

Below the cornice, eight frieze panels (carved in low relief) depict the gathering of God's people from the Old and New World, and the Pacific Islands to America.

Designed by Don Carlos Young Jr. and Ramm Hansen, the temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the local area.

Spanning an area of 113,916 square feet (10,583.1 m2) on 20 acres (8.1 ha) of land, the temple stands two stories tall, and is constructed with concrete and terracotta tiles.

The exterior features a flat roof with sculpted friezes, while interior elements include hand painted murals, a grand central staircase and stained glass.

[10][11][12] The landscaping around the temple grounds was designed in geometric patterns aligned with the cardinal directions and consists of thematic gardens and reflective pools.

The desert plants and cacti in the gardens represent the local Native Americans and Mexican communities that were important to the growth of the church.

[13] Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal.

[16] The renovations focused on several key areas, including upgrading the utilities, preserving and restoring artwork, and adding a new irrigation system to the gardens.

The updated temple grounds feature over 300 olive and palm trees, an expanded reflection pool, and a new irrigation system that preserves water to maintain the landscape in the desert climate.

Conservators undertook the task of safeguarding and reviving the artwork by stripping away layers of added paint and alterations, securing the canvas back onto the wall, and repairing the damaged areas.

Artisans and craftsmen specializing in preservation and restoration were employed to ensure that both the exterior and interior renovations were in keeping with the original design ethos while incorporating modern advancements.

They replaced run-down buildings with a variety of new structures, including retail storefronts, a clubhouse, a pool, a fitness center, and pedestrian walkways.

An expansion of the building was completed in 1981 to house new exhibits, and was again remodeled in 2015.As part of a larger plan to renovate the temple, the original visitors' center was demolished in 2018.

It includes a children’s play area, with interactive activities; a hang out room for teens; a community section, with displays explaining the city's diverse history and spiritual heritage built by Native Americans, Hispanic migrants and Mormon pioneers.

There is also a coloring wall, an interactive justserve.org screen to locate local community service opportunities, a 3D scale model of the temple, and a display where visitors learn more about God and Jesus Christ.

The visitors' center also houses a replica of a statue of Jesus Christ by Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen called the Christus.

[30] The temple is used for living and proxy ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, endowments, and sealings which are fundamental to church doctrine of eternal families and personal salvation.