An architectural rendering of what the new Institute of Religion at Utah State University would look like.
LOGAN – The Institute of Religion on the Utah State University campus had been the longest continually-operating Institute in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints system, until the end of fall semester last year.
Demolition of the building at 600 Darwin Avenue, which had served students since the 1920s, started in the spring.
Construction of a new 100,000 square foot building on the same site is now underway.
Michael Lambert, director of the church’s Facilities and Real Estate Division of Seminaries and Institutes, said the new building is designed with open spaces to enhance natural light.
“We know the students will love the new institute building and believe it is a place where they will connect with each other and grow closer to Jesus Christ during their time as students,” said Lambert.
Construction will take about two years and during that time institute classes and activities will continue to be held in leased classroom space at USU and in nearby
Church meeting houses.
The new building will house a Young Single Adult stake for Sunday worship, and will be the site of Religion classes and workshops as well as a gathering place close to campus for young adults.
The Institute sits on the northwest corner of the campus across from the Taggart Student Center. It will include a 170-stall parking structure underneath the proposed two-story building.
The first phase of the first institute was built in 1929 with more additions in 1938,1960, 1977, 1990 and 1994.
Free News Delivery by Email
Would you like to have the day’s news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!