Downtown Salt Lake City

As wonderful as my jaunts into the country are, I can't escape the city, nor would I want to for too long. Downtown Salt Lake City is beautiful, and it's getting more and more exciting as construction continues with the huge Downtown Rising project. For my job recently, I spent a day downtown in the Zions Bank Building up on the 18th floor, which has a magnificent view of the city - south, west, and north. Of course, with a photo opp like that, I made sure to have my camera with me.

Looking north, here is the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in front, with the towering Church Office Building behind it, and further back is the Utah State Capitol. Yes, that's a helicopter flying by.

This is one of my favorite photos. It was a bit of a surprise when I looked at the downloaded photo on my computer and saw the flag from the Joseph Smith Memorial Building waving in front of the Utah Capitol. It's amazing what a telephoto lens can do! I cropped in pretty tight to get this layout. It looks like I photoshopped the flag in, I know, but that flag is the real thing...believe me!

 

And here is the elegant Salt Lake Temple and surrounding Temple Square. That's the famous Tabernacle (as in the Tabernacle Choir) on the left and the enormous Conference Center behind the temple to the right.

After my meetings I walked around temple square clicking away with my camera. Every time I'm there, I seem to find new views and angles to photograph. The old (and new) architecture is amazing, and I never tire of it.

The gardens this time of year are to fall in love with!

This is the Eagle Gate Plaza.                                And here is the Church Office Building again.

I love this statue of a mom with her children, which is one of many statues throughout Temple Square depicting our church's history and beliefs. 

This is a partial view of the Conference Center across the reflecting pool.

As a member of the LDS faith, Temple Square holds a special place in my heart. There's a wonderful and calming spirit there that I can't help feel as I walk around. Time seems to stand still.

After weddings take place in the temple, newly married couples come outside and are joined by groups of family and friends for celebration photos around the temple. Everyone is so happy. I caught the tail end of a wedding as I was walking around...

For visitors not of the LDS faith, there are volunteer missionaries who give tours and are glad to answer questions. If you're reading this and would like to know more, you can start with this website.

This guy guards the Lion House above it's door.

This is the Beehive House and its garden. I LOVE the old fashioned garden!

And this is where I was spending my day at work, at the Zions Bank Building...up on the top floor (just to the right of the letter K in Zions Bank!).

Here is the view of the city looking south - so many changes in the past year or so. The walkway connecting both sides of the street is one of the cool new additions that will be opening soon.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the heart of Salt Lake City! ~CJ~