Discover L.A.’s Hidden Gem: A Stunning Five-Story Mausoleum in Hollywood

Los Angeles is known for its unique spots, from the Hollywood sign to the iconic Watts Towers. Now, it has a new addition: the Gower Mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This five-story structure serves as a resting place for stars like Judy Garland and Rudolph Valentino.

Tyler Cassity, co-owner of Hollywood Forever, explained that the mausoleum aims to meet the community’s needs for death care. Ricardo Pentreath, a regular visitor, has purchased four crypts in the new building, hoping it will serve future generations of his family.

Notably, two of the five floors are already sold out. Pentreath fondly remembers taking his family to the cemetery to learn to drive. Hollywood Forever is changing how we view cemeteries, providing a space for living as well. They host festivals, yoga sessions, and movie nights, making it more than just a burial ground.

To address the limited space, architects Roberto Sheinberg and Michael Lehrer designed the Gower to rise vertically. Sheinberg shared that their approach solves the problems of land scarcity. “Instead of buying more properties outside the city, we decided to go vertical,” he stated.

The mausoleum’s design features calming marble and natural light, creating a serene atmosphere. Vanessa Morales, another visitor, expressed her feelings about the mausoleum’s peacefulness, stating, “It’s nice to know that she can finally rest.”

Interestingly, a recent survey found that more people are considering end-of-life plans and their burial options. With urban spaces shrinking, vertical mausoleums may become a trend in other cities facing similar challenges. As more individuals embrace this idea, it reflects a shift in how communities view death and remembrance.

For more insights on this topic, check out these resources from CBS News and The New York Times.

Source link

Hollywood, Los Angeles