Mortenson Selected to Build Lakewood Cemetery Mausoleum

Minneapolis, MN — On May 14, 2010, Lakewood Cemetery will break ground on the construction of a new mausoleum and columbarium, named the Lakewood Garden Mausoleum. The new mausoleum will provide memorialization options for cremation and traditional crypt entombment in a climate controlled, energy efficient structure.

The 24,000 square-foot, two-level mausoleum, designed by Joan M. Soranno, FAIA, of HGA Architects and Engineers of Minneapolis, with Mortenson Construction of Minneapolis as the general contractor, will include:

• Six crypt rooms (720 interior crypts/144 exterior crypts) for casket entombment
• Six columbaria rooms (3,279 interior niches/1,140 exterior niches) for cremated remains
• Three family crypt rooms (15 interior crypts)
• Committal room (for services)
• Reception room, family room and catering kitchen
• Administrative office

The new mausoleum is part of an existing master plan developed for the cemetery in 2003 with landscape architects Halvorson Design Partnership. The plan was commissioned to make the most of Lakewood’s 250 acres to provide optimal burial and cremation options, protect open spaces and identify future development around existing building zones and patterns within the landscape. The Garden Mausoleum and surrounding landscaping are scheduled to be completed in September 2011 at a cost of $30 million. It will be the first new mausoleum at Lakewood in more than 40 years; the Memorial Community Mausoleum was completed in 1967.

“This is an investment in Lakewood’s ability to meet the needs of families now and into the future, particularly with the rise in those choosing cremation,” said Ronald Gjerde, Jr., president of the Lakewood Cemetery Association, “Our current mausoleum and columbarium are nearing capacity, which makes this the right time to move forward with this part of our master plan. With the addition of this mausoleum, we predict we can continue to serve families for at least another 100 years.”

Benefits for families will include a committal room, reception room and catering kitchen, and a re-landscaped outdoor garden with new water feature and seating areas. “We will now be able to offer families space for post-funeral luncheons and gatherings,” Gjerde noted. “The new garden area will be more accessible and offer the perfect setting for contemplative walking and visitation.”

Mortenson Construction anticipates the majority of work on the mausoleum will be performed by Minnesota businesses, highly skilled in the craftsmanship required for the project. The company will manage the construction of the building with respect to the cemetery’s peaceful surroundings and to minimize disruption to the ongoing operations of the cemetery.

“We are honored to be a part of this unique opportunity to enhance and preserve the symbolic nature of Lakewood Cemetery,” said Ken Sorensen, vice president and general manager of Mortenson Construction’s Minneapolis operations. “It will be exciting to see the details of the design become a reality. The precise craftsmanshipneeded will result in a structure of enduring quality.”

About the design
The Lakewood Garden Mausoleum’s architect Joan M. Soranno, FAIA, vice president and project lead designer with HGA in Minneapolis, is best known for contemporary architecture that is culturally and spiritually inspired. Her workincludes the Bigelow Chapel, which has received 10 national architecture and engineering awards, and theUniversity of Alaska’s Museum of the North, featured in Architectural Record and The New York Times.

“Lakewood’s new mausoleum is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an architect,” said Soranno, “This building is not only significant to Lakewood, but to architecture on a national, even global, level. Many American funerary buildings are constructed using a template and look very similar to each other. I commend Lakewood for commissioning a unique design, one that is powerful and sophisticated, and truly considers the experience of the visitor.”

Soranno described the design of the building: “As with Lakewood’s other buildings, Lakewood wanted its new mausoleum to reflect the architectural style popular to the time. It was also important to consider Lakewood’s surroundings and the spiritually significant use of the space. Contemporary architecture often has an edge to it; it’s designed to be provocative. But for this space, we want visitors to feel a sense of peace and calm—an environment conducive to contemplation and healing.

“Our design accomplishes this through three distinct elements. The first is natural light, a powerful force that evokes a sense of spirituality, warmth and comfort. The second is beauty and craftsmanship. When you approach and enter this building, you’ll know that time, care and consideration were taken to design it.

“And the last element is a connection to Lakewood’s greatest asset—its landscape. The mausoleum will be built into a hillside, with more than half of the square footage of the building nestled into the earth. Its intimate feeling allows the landscape to be the shining star.”

The building’s contemporary design will feature rich materials of granite, marble and wood, and stylistic features like mosaics, bronze artwork and stained glass—materials that connect it to Lakewood’s other buildings, like its historic chapel and Memorial Community Mausoleum.

About Lakewood Cemetery
Founded in 1871, Lakewood is a nonprofit, perpetual care cemetery association governed by a board of trustees. Lakewood is open to all people. The cemetery exists to preserve the memory of life and share its beautiful landscape, rich history and artistic treasures with the community. Lakewood is located at Hennepin Avenue South and 36th Street in Minneapolis.