Located in Minneapolis, MN, the Lakewood Cemetery is characterized by its scenic lake, limited vertical monuments and distinctive public structures that maximize open green space along 250 acres. Despite its expansive land, the cemetery was reaching capacity, with only 25 acres remaining for development. Additionally, the existing mausoleum, completed in 1967, was also reaching its capacity. With the increased acceptance of above-ground burial and cremation, Lakewood’s Board of Trustees commissioned Halvorson Design Partnership to complete a Master Plan that would increase capacity without encroaching on the natural beauty of the site.
“While meeting these programming goals, we wanted the mausoleum to preserve Lakewood’s pastoral quality while offering a contemplative interior experience,” said Joan Soranno, Design Principal with HGA Architects and Engineers of Minneapolis, MN. “Rather than dominating its site, the mausoleum becomes part of the landscape and context.”