The temple, which is 27,423 square feet in size, lies on a 5.19-acre plot of land. One-story with a full basement. The spire stands 89 feet tall. The temple is designed in a regional deco style, with aloe stalks and petals as well as desert tree leaves serving as inspiration. It is estimated that the cost of construction was $3 million. It was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on May 6, 1980. At the time of its dedication, it was the largest temple built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church has since completed larger temples, including the San Diego California Temple which was dedicated two years to the Phoenix temple's opening. The temple was closed for remodeling from 2004 to 2008. It reopened on November 14, 2008. Here are some more details about its size: The temple has a floor space of approximately 27,423 square feet (2,527 m²). Its exterior walls are 16 feet (4.9 m) thick at their base and 10 feet (3 m) thick at their top. It takes approximately 220 bushels of wheat to build a temple wall. The temple grounds include a school building with 44 classrooms, a gym, a music room, an art room, a cafeteria, a book store, a nursery, a pharmacy, a medical clinic, and housing for up to 1,200 students and teachers.