Winter Quarters Temple
Omaha, NE

In 1998, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commissioned Reinhardt & Associates to provide professional architectural services for the Winter Quarters Temple to be constructed in Omaha, Nebraska. Temples are the most sacred and important facilities used by the Church, and only 103 in the world had been constructed or announced prior to the announcement of the one in Omaha. Winter Quarters was the name given by the early Mormon pioneers for the area adjacent to the Missouri River as they camped at that location in the winter of 1847 on their way to the Rocky Mountains. This edifice carries special significance due to its location adjacent to the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery- where hundreds of Latter-day Saint pioneers perished during the harsh winter of 1847.

The historic implications of the project prompted the Church to include a number of extraordinary items, which contribute to the special nature of the project. These include distinctive stained glass windows, custom cast door trim, gold leaf highlighting at wood trim, crystal chandeliers, and special commissioned paintings. The historic significance of this building is also reflected in the special treatment of the details and period furnishings. The exterior is clad with “Bethel White” granite veneer.

The steep slope of the site required a creative approach that resulted in a very unique Temple setting.