[7] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on June 4, 2011, conducted by Ronald A.

[12] Local residents opposed to the construction mounted a successful campaign to call for a voter referendum on the council's decision, delivering the requisite signatures by December 31, potentially delaying the approval process until September 2011 when the issue could be put to a vote.

[13] After a series of talks with the opposition, LDS Church representatives announced on January 26, 2010, that the temple would be redesigned to comply with the zoning restrictions by limiting the structural height to 30 feet (9.1 m), eliminating the need for any exceptions or any further approvals.

Designed by CCBG Architects,[7] its architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of Arizona and its spiritual significance to the church.

The temple is on a 5.19-acre plot, with surrounding landscaping including three fountains, as well as desert trees and shrubs.

The structure stands one story tall,[22] constructed with precast integral colored concrete panels.

The design has symbolic elements representing the natural landscapes of Arizona, to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function.

[27] On August 7, 2014, the church announced the public open house that was held from October 10 to November 1, 2014 (excluding Sundays).