The reinforced concrete shell of the auditorium of the Church's new assembly building on the block just north of Temple Square is nearly completed and work on the roof and building exterior will begin soon, according to project manager Thomas Hanson.

The raw walls of the auditorium, which will seat about 21,000 for general conference sessions, are far enough along that its shape is well defined. The auditorium looks like a fan-shaped structure in the northeast part of the block.While it is now easy to see the shape of the facility, there is just a hint of the exterior walls that will enclose the auditorium and the lobby.

The perimeter of the building will be constructed of a structural steel frame, faced with granite that matches that of the building blocks of the Salt Lake Temple.

The construction of the auditorium, a smaller theater and a parking structure remains on track to meet the completion target - April 2000 general conference - announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley in the April 1996 general conference.

"The complexity of the building continues to be a challenge to everybody involved," Brother Hanson noted. "It has the facade and structure of a multi-purpose arena, but it is a house of worship that will seat 21,000."

Because of the assembly building's uniqueness in size and purpose, there were no other structures of similar size or function anywhere in the world for its designers to look at and use as a model, he said. But, he added, everyone involved expects the building to be as functional as expected. In addition to conferences, the auditorium will be used for other events and will have a staging area large enough for major performances such as pageant productions.

Construction of the adjoining 900-seat theater and an underground parking structure is also progressing. The underground parking will provide spaces for 1,300 cars. The smaller theater adjoins the west side of the main auditorium.

The enormity of the main auditorium is apparent from inside the shell, an area large enough that a Boeing 747 jet aircraft could fit in it. On the expanse of bare ground inside the shell are several cranes and other heavy equipment, and the sections of a 600-ton steel beam that is being assembled. The beam will be lifted into place in late September as the main support for the roof's structure.

Entry ways that define the three levels can be seen in the back of the shell for the main floor, the orchestra level and the balcony. Roughed in at the front is the area where the pipes of a new organ will be installed.

Brother Hanson pointed out that the auditorium's concrete shell is being heavily reinforced with 15,000 tons of reinforcing steel, including #18 rebar - the biggest size typically manufactured - to maximize the stability and safety of the structure.

Currently there are approximately 600 workers on site, and that number will rise to 900 when construction activity peaks. Fifteen subcontractors presently are on site. That will increase to 45 more when construction peaks.