The Temple Downtown

Mobile's skyline includes The Temple Downtown, a historic event rental venue at 351 St. Francis St. whose architecture was inspired by the pyramids of Egypt. Architect George Rodgers was commissioned by his fellow members to design the building as a Grand Lodge, and it is now billed as an architectural gem. Today it is rented for parties, dances, weddings, catered events and conventions, and its photo gallery is sorted under those headings. Maps also files it under auditorium, dance hall, caterer and wedding venue, and it has its own parking lot. Rated 4.5 from 88 Google reviews, 59 of them five stars and 4 of them one or two stars. Two phone numbers, (251) 433-7920 and (251) 786-0775, are posted for questions about booking and special events, and a sign-up list sends offers on special events. Because the building began as a lodge hall and has been adapted for rentals, anyone planning an exhibit or trade show should call to confirm floor space, load-in access and capacity before booking.