Mormon Historic Sites Foundation was involved in funding multiple projects in Kirtland including a multi-million dollar road relocation project. The road relocation project involved building a new half-mile of road to carry traffic around the Church history sites, constructing a new bridge over the Chagrin River, and tearing down the old bridge between the Whitney Store and Morley farm and constructing a new bridge in it's place.

These changes help make the experience in Kirtland more enjoyable for those visiting by reducing noise and traffic. Additionally, curbs and gutters have been removed and roads narrowed to resemble more closely the appearance of early Kirtland.

Aerial view of the road relocation project.
Photo courtesy Karl Ricks Anderson

Foundation of the ashery uncovered during the Kirtland restoration process.
Photo courtesy Karl Ricks Anderson

Additionally, the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation aided in the restoration of other areas in Kirtland. The John Johnson Inn was rebuilt, the Newel K. Whitney home was restored, and a new Visitor's Center was constructed to resemble an early Kirtland sawmill.

During the restoration process, archaeologists uncovered foundation for the ashery, one of the corner foundations of the John Johnson Inn, and the remains of a water-powered sawmill, including the path by which water was brought to the mill.