Des Moines considers copper dome for historic mausoleum
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Glendale Abbey is a historic mausoleum with a classical facade and dome constructed more than a century ago. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
Des Moines may add a copper cover to the iconic dome of its historic mausoleum, Glendale Abbey.
Why it matters: Beyond stabilizing the structure, the project could make one of the city's most architecturally significant cemetery features even more visually distinctive.
Catch up quick: The Abbey was built in Glendale Cemetery in 1912.
- It includes about 600 burial crypts and more than 100 cremation spaces.
State of play: Preservationists have advocated for improvements to the structure for more than a decade, noting that water seepage had stained the structure's marble and caused cracks.
Driving the news: The city is proposing a project to remove the Abbey's roof and install a new one.
- Deteriorated masonry and other exterior elements would also be repaired.
Zoom in: A copper dome is under consideration, pending review by historic preservation groups, DSM spokesperson Ally MacLean tells Axios.
- The city engineer estimates the project will cost about $1 million, including $75,000 for the decorative dome.
What's next: The City Council will consider bids for the project next month.
- Construction is expected to begin in the spring and be completed this year.
