The intent to build the temple was announced by the First Presidency on December 12, 2003, in a letter to local church leaders.

[3] This temple was designed by Bob Petroff and Architectural Nexus, using a classic modern style.

[1] The groundbreaking ceremony, signifying beginning of construction, was held on July 30, 2005, with John H. Groberg presiding, and local church members and community leaders attending.

[11] The building has a classic modern architectural style, coupled with a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design.

[3] The structure stands five stories tall,[3] constructed with precast concrete with a quartz rock finish.

[4] The exterior includes 700 art-glass window panes, an element chosen for its symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions.

[2] The design uses symbolic elements to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function.

Symbolism is important to church members and includes a wheat stalk motif throughout the art-glass windows, which represents the Rexburg area’s agricultural industry.

[14] Approximately 2,000 young church members performed in the event, which told the story of the Mormon pioneers who settled the Upper Snake River Valley in 1883.