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Community Corner

New Mausoleum to Open in Lakewood

Lakewood Cemetery recently completed a new Mausoleum to provide more space and options in its funerary grounds.

Nearly as old as Minneapolis itself, Lakewood Cemetery is starting to get crowded. To remedy the problem—and meet the increasing popularity of cremation—the cemetery has opened a new mausoleum.

“While there is still some space available at Lakewood Cemetery, it is important that we have efficient use of space.” said Ron Gjerde, President of Lakewood. 

The new building is contemporary in design and built to blend into the landscape around it. The two story building is nestled into a hillside. Ample skylights ensure that spaces are flooded with light.

The building’s bronze artwork and stained glass give a sense that the beauty of the building is in the details. 2.8 million pieces of  tile were used to create the building’s mosaics. Light floods the interior from above, creating a space that is designed to be spiritual and warm.

“It’s probably unlike any mausoleum anyone has gone into,” said Gjerde.

Although a contemporary building may seem a strange choice to some, Lakewood Cemetery has always chosen contemporary architecture. The Lakewood Memorial Chapel, though now historic, was a contemporary building at the time it was designed by . The Memorial Community Mausoleum, which is adjacent to the new mausoleum, was designed in 1967 and reflects the modernist style that was popular then.

While the building opens in the next few weeks, the dedication of the building will happen in spring, when visitors can appreciate the landscaping and the way an updated water feature has been incorporated with the space.

Gjerde is confident that this mausoleum is uniquely beautiful. “In order for people to appreciate it, they’ve really got to come over and see it,” he says.

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