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Granit Bronz columbariums feature new upscale
designs, resemble larger, artistic mausoleums
Feb. 21, 2003
COLD SPRING, Minn. - Granit Bronz, the mausoleum division of the Cold Spring Granite Co., has launched a new line of upscale columbariums featuring architectural designs commonly found in larger private and community mausoleums.
"The upscale columbariums showcase contemporary and classical designs and architectural features like domes, columns and murals that you will not see in similar-sized columbariums," says John Mueller, Granit Bronz general sales manager of mausoleums. "The columbariums are designed by our top chapel and community mausoleum designers."
Cremation is the fastest-growing death-care option in the United States, yet the selection of niche-columbarium designs, especially smaller versions, has tended to resemble pre-assembled boxes emphasizing functionality and durability over artistry and beauty.
The upscale columbariums are a departure from the box-like designs. They resemble scaled-down versions of larger mausoleums with ornate architectural touches and grand, elaborate designs.
Six classical and contemporary structures, holding 32 to 324 niches, are available. The new columbariums will provide churches and cemeteries with more choices to enhance the beauty of cemeteries, including grounds surrounding chapel or community mausoleums, with small to mid-sized columbariums.
The upscale columbariums are backed by Granit Bronz's 10-50 worry-free warranty. Granit Bronz will repair or replace any defect in the building for a period of 10 years and repair or replace any granite component that has failed, including carvings, murals and crypt/niche fronts, for a period of 50 years.
The 32-niche Romanesque columbarium features an early European architectural style, prevalent from the 9th to 12th century, combining Roman and Byzantine elements. The dome is a key Byzantine feature. Columns are featured on each corner with murals topping niche fronts. Designed by Granit Bronz Designer Dan Hurduc.
The 80-niche Stained Glass columbarium features niche-front wings modeled after a butterfly. The standout feature is the stained glass window encased in granite, which actually is made of a much thicker, more durable faceted art glass that can withstand the elements. Designed by Granit Bronz Designer Brad Barthelemy.
The 32-niche Restwood Estate, unlike most columbariums, features a monolith-like face carved with striking trees that blend well with a natural outdoor environment. The Carnelian face is surrounded by a lighter Sunset Red granite, creating a strong juxtaposition of colors. Designed by Granit Bronz Designer Jim Cota.
The 324-niche columbarium is not a typical columbarium. It is fashioned after a Southwestern/Spanish mission. An arched entrance carved with decorative buttresses and fenestration motifs is flanked by walls that are niche-fronts; this columbarium can be an excellent entrance feature for a garden cemetery. Designed by Brad Barthelemy.
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The Cold Spring Granite Co. is a leading manufacturer, designer and distributor of granite and bronze products. The Cold Spring Granite Memorial Group offers the broadest line of memorial products, including upright monuments, flat markers, cast bronze and granite bases, urns, columbariums, community and family mausoleums, benches, and specialty cemetery features.
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