Manhattan New York Temple Renovation Moves Forward

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is continuing a major renovation of the Manhattan, New York Temple at 125 Columbus Avenue.
• The project includes a redesigned exterior featuring Italian travertine marble, stained glass, and a new gilded spire.
• Construction is expected to continue through 2027 as crews modernize both the interior and façade of the Upper West Side landmark.

What the Renovation Project Includes

Major renovation work is continuing at the Manhattan New York Temple on the Upper West Side as crews overhaul both the building’s interior and exterior appearance. Located at 125 Columbus Avenue, the project is transforming the longtime religious facility with a dramatically updated façade and redesigned public-facing elements. The building, originally completed in 1976, is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves as one of the organization’s most prominent New York City properties. Current work includes replacing much of the building’s darker exterior with lighter Italian travertine marble alongside stained glass windows accented by gold-colored fins.

What the Exterior Redesign Changes

One of the most visible changes involves the removal of the original corner steeple. The updated design will introduce a taller gilded spire topped with a 10-foot statue of the angel Moroni, a major symbolic feature commonly associated with Latter-day Saint temples worldwide. The ground-floor colonnade facing Columbus Avenue is also being redesigned with floor-to-ceiling glass, updated lighting fixtures, and new signage intended to create a more open and modern street presence. The renovation significantly softens the building’s previously fortress-like appearance while bringing more visual transparency to the streetscape.

What the Interior Renovations Will Include

Inside, the renovated structure will contain updated religious and community-oriented spaces, including a baptistry, meeting house, distribution center, and public affairs office. The project reflects a broader trend where religious institutions are modernizing older urban properties through architectural upgrades and expanded public-facing design elements. The church’s location near Lincoln Center and major transit connections also places the building within one of Manhattan’s busiest cultural and residential corridors.

What This Means for Upper West Side Development

Although not a traditional commercial real estate development, the renovation represents another example of institutional investment continuing across Manhattan despite broader market uncertainty. Large-scale renovation projects tied to religious organizations, universities, and nonprofits have remained active throughout New York City as many institutions continue upgrading aging facilities and repositioning high-profile urban assets. The redesigned temple is also expected to become a more visually prominent architectural feature along Columbus Avenue once the scaffolding is removed.

What the Industry Will Watch Next

Construction officially began in early 2024 and is expected to continue into 2027. For architects, preservation advocates, and institutional property owners, the project highlights how older New York buildings are increasingly being reimagined through contemporary façade redesigns while maintaining their original core functions. As work progresses, the Manhattan New York Temple is set to emerge as one of the more distinctive religious renovation projects currently underway in Manhattan.