A major restoration project has been in progress at the House of Worship since the mid-1980s in response to decades of harsh Chicago winters that had damaged the Temple and dulled its glittering white surface. Since that time, the House of Worship has been power-washed to bring back its brilliant white exterior; gardens have been restored; damaged concrete panels have been replaced and new concrete monumental steps and pavers have been installed.
For the first time in a number of years, it is possible to walk all the way around the Temple (circumambulate) on the terrace. In 2012, it is hoped that all nine gardens will be restored so that visitors can walk around the Temple through the gardens.
Some of you may remember the small white buildings that were located near the parking lot for many years. Those buildings were torn down in preparation for construction of the new Visitors Center. Following is a video with interesting historical information about those buildings: