A local overarching Roman Catholic cemetery organization enlisted Lobas Architects to put forth a proposal for the design of an addition to an existing mausoleum, the Christian Sepulchre. The cemetery has been in use since 1964 and consists of 225 acres and numerous mausolea all in a traditional vein. The area under consideration, on the south side of the acreage, near Kirtland Chardon Road, is a small but artistically diverse complex of five existing mausolea. The building under primary consideration is the largest and central element, the Christian Sepulchre.

The project entails an addition to the north of the existing Christian Sepulchre building of nearly 5000 square feet, with entries on either side (both east and west) and a primary entry at the center (facing north). The building is of a modular design, with spaces for over 800 crypts, each with granite fronts and trim. The roof is a longitudinal gable with a cross gable at the entry, which is a Tuscan temple front with two columns and strong beams with ogee ends at each side.  

Because the design of the existing building took place during diverse periods, in which various styles and movements dominated, a coherent overall composition of elements was neither sought after nor achieved. The new addition intends to unify and center the entire site composition through strong form, careful use of a classical order, and a unified palette of materials.

This project is for academic purposes only.

View Midwest Mausoleum – Reasons for Design

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