Cemeteries, Master Plans, Funeral Homes, & Places of Worship by Mekus Tanager, Inc

Cemeteries, Master Plans, Funeral Homes, & Places of Worship

Greetings and welcome! We hope this book finds you well and in good spirits. When we first founded Mekus Tanager back in 1984, our aim was to create a full service architectural, planning and interior design firm that went beyond good design and hard work, to a company that dedicated itself to developing a deeper understanding of our client’s needs, wants, and priorities. As it happens, our very first project was a cemetery. Mekus Tanager is now an award-wining industry expert in the design for cemeteries, funeral homes, and places of worship. We are glad that our wealth of knowledge has allowed us to serve people and organizations of all cultures and religions. We are proud of the many projects we’ve completed since opening, and how well they’ve served and performed for our clients (and now) friends. We are committed to continuing this standard of excellence in the level of service and design we provide to every client. For us, it’s an honor and a thrill to hear from clients that a project we’ve delivered has exceeded all their expectations. We thank you, our clients, colleagues, and friends for your support and hope to hear from you soon! With regards,

E. Spes Mekus, ASID, LEED AP Principal

Paul Herdzina Project Manager

Page 4

Patrick Mekus Special Projects Manager

Table of Contents Who We Are

Adding Value

Client Satisfaction

Services We Offer

Sustainability

Awards & Media

Mausoleums

Cremation

Chapels and Committal Shelters

Decorative Features

Master Planning

Administrative Buildings

Maintenance Facilities

Funeral Homes

Places of Worship

Cover Photo: All Saints Cemetery - Des Plaines, IL Previous Pages: Ascension Cemetery - Libertyville, IL Garden Mausoleum Expansion (right building), with the original project to the left. Opposite Page: Good Shepherd Cemetery - Orland Park , IL

Page 7

Who We are Over 300+ Projects and 38 Years of International Service to the Cemetery and Funeral Home Industry Founded in 1984 with a cemetery project for the Archdiocese of Chicago, Mekus Tanager, Inc. has completed over 300 projects over 38 years for the cemetery and funeral home industry. As an industry expert and award winning design firm, Mekus Tanager offers a full range of planning and design services for any project, and our experienced staff has completed a wide variety of projects including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Opposite Page: All Saints Cemetery - Des Plaines, IL

Page 8

Administrative Complexes Chapel Complexes Committal Shelters Cremation Gardens Columbariums / Niches Crematories Funeral Homes Garden Crypt Complexes Green Burial Sections Maintenance Facilities Master Planning Mausoleums Niche Walls Private Mausoleums Shrines

Adding Value Adding value is important in any industry, and it is no different for a cemetery, funeral home, or place of worship. Mekus Tanager has over 38 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in each field, and the services we provide can add value, no matter if the project is large or small, thus making our services an investment in your business’ future. Adding value comes in many forms in a cemetery and can include: increased inventory, expanded burial options, creating a more marketable cemetery, creating a desired, peaceful atmosphere, decreasing maintenance costs, helping to mitigate the need to purchase expensive real-estate to expand inventory, and helping you map your overall strategy and goals, and then creating a logical and realistic implementation plan for a variety of projects based on your needs so that development costs are offset by revenue generation. In today’s world funeral homes increasingly need adaptable spaces where one room can serve multiple functions. Mekus Tanager can help your funeral home become more flexible in accommodating any needs, including chapels and family rooms. We also can design buildings for phased construction or expansion opportunities, allowing the client to adjust the project based on their needs. Places of worship, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques, are also evolving to become multi-purposed facilities capable of holding large gatherings while at the same time offering numerous nontraditional activity spaces. Mekus Tanager can add value to your facilities, whether it is creating an overall master plan, designing a new building to support the overall function of existing buildings, or renovating/expanding an existing building. Mekus Tanager offers a wide range of experience and extensive knowledge, and can help you add value to your existing assets. Our design solutions are an investment that will help allow your business to expand and flourish in the future.

Opposite Page: Willow Lawn Memorial Park - Vernon Hills, IL This section development was sited within a forested portion of the cemetery. The section plan added a variety of burial inventory while preserving the desirable trees to create a naturalistic, wooded section.

Page 11

Client Satisfaction The success of any project hinges on one thing: client satisfaction. At Mekus Tanager, what makes us unique isn’t just our beautiful projects or their success for our clients’ businesses. Our unique approach to the design process is that we work with our clients as a partner throughout the project process, and we strive to reflect each client’s unique identity, business goals, and project objectives into our elegant design solutions. So how do we ensure client satisfaction? Below is our proven design process: At the beginning of any project, we listen to you and discuss your overall vision, project goals, specific requirements, and discuss what you expect in order to ensure a successful project. We provide you with information, including: the latest industry trends, proven design solutions that are successful at other properties, and also the latest in quality materials and building practices, to help you make informed decisions and selections throughout the project process. We employ our design skills and extensive experience to create design solutions that are tailored for you and your business, while also maximizing value, sustainability and longevity, with ease of maintenance in mind. We can develop multiple design solutions for the same project, each of which would accomplish the project goals in a unique way. These design options allow you to select the solution you prefer, or you can choose to combine aspects from different schemes to create your ideal project. We utilize a proven process of client review and feedback at critical points in the design process, so that you are involved in the project design and development from start to finish. At Mekus Tanager, we pride ourselves on our ability to listen to you, and then create successful design solutions that are both unique to your identity and taste, while also accomplishing your specific project and business goals, both for the present and future. Opposite Page: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Alsip, IL

Page 12

Services We Offer Mekus Tanager provides a full range of professional services to serve the cemetery and funeral industry, and we often partner with other consultants to provide all services that may be required in a project. These services include: Architectural and Interior Design Development of the aesthetic character of the building(s), structure(s), or interior space(s). Architectural Preservation & Restoration Preserving or restoring outdated and historical buildings to their original condition. If the client desires, Mekus Tanager can elegantly incorporate new elements and systems into existing structures. Bidding / Negotiations Assisting the client in obtaining bids and/or negotiated proposals for the services of a General Contractor and sub-contractors for the construction of a project. Contract Administration Providing observation of construction activities and review of sub-contractors’ drawings to ensure conformance to the intent. Contract Documentation Preparation of all drawings and specifications necessary for the development, bid, and construction of a project Graphic Design / Signage / Artwork Recommendations of the locations and types of signage, graphics, or artwork for the client. Master Plan Development Mapping the overall strategy of a the project for a logical and realistic implementation plan. Program Development Gathering and compiling the client’s aspirations, goals, and requirements for the property, both as a whole or as related to specific projects. Project Feasibility Studies Investigating the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing various architectural planning and design projects, suited to the client’s needs and available resources. Site Analysis Investigating and analyzing various sites to determine feasibility for development. Opposite Page: Church of the Holy Spirit - Lake Forest, IL

Page 15

Sustainability The idea behind sustainable design is not only to create environmentally friendly spaces, but healthier, more productive environments. Using green building techniques also helps reduce energy costs, real-estate costs, life-cycle costs, all while improving the occupants image. Mekus Tanager has been practicing sustainable design for over 38 years. Since our founding we have worked to develop strategies for the design of long lasting buildings and spaces, and with each project we take great care in researching and implementing sustainable design solutions. Mekus Tanager was proud to work with the Archdiocese of Chicago to complete the All Saints Chapels and Administration Complex, which was certified LEED-NC Gold. Our project for Milestone AV Technologies, was certified as a LEED-CI Silver project. Mekus Tanager has also been a long time consultant of the federal government, and the US Citizenship and Immigration Office and the Department of Education Office are both LEED certified. Mekus Tanager also designed the interiors for the FBI regional offices in Chicago, which achieved a LEED-EB Platinum certification rating. For an example of our design commitment to the longevity of our projects, please see our multi-purposed project at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, IL, which was constructed over 30 years ago and can be seen on pages 30-31.

Opposite Page: All Saints Cemetery - Chapels and Administration Complex LEED-NC Gold - Des Plaines, IL

Page 16

Awards Mekus Tanager is proud to be recognized as an award winning design firm. We are honored by our awards below, but we are especially proud of working with our great clients to accomplish their project goals through unique and award winning design. Cemetery & Religious Design Awards PCI Design Awards - Building Awards - Best Religious Structure Award St. John’s Cemetery - Chapel & Mausoleum Columbia, SD AIA Oustanding Design McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, IL Catholic Cemeteries Design Competion - Winner All Saints Cemetery - Chapels & Administration Complex Des Plaines, IL Architectural Precast Association, Award for Design & Manufacturing Design Excellence All Saints Cemetery Des Plaines, IL

Media Did you know that we produce videos featuring some of our projects? Often times we find that by creating videos for our projects, we can allow our clients to experience and “walk through” their project prior to construction. The videos are also often used by our clients to help sell their customers on the latest developments at their cemetery or property. To view some of these videos, please visit our YouTube page at: www.youtube.com/user/MekusTanagerInc Opposite Page: St. John’s Cemetery Chapel and Mausoleum - Columbia, SD

Page 19

Mausoleums

Opposite Page and Above: Good Shepherd Cemetery - Orland Park, IL

Page 21

Garden crypt complexes and mausoleums are becoming increasingly common in the modern cemetery. Since burial space is often at a premium, especially for older cemeteries, garden crypt buildings and mausoleums are popular because they allow for an expanded burial inventory within a certain area. Additional benefits of a welldesigned garden crypt building or mausoleum include: increased revenue per burial space, increased marketability for the cemetery, increased flexibility for a greater variety of inventory, and they also enhance the image and atmosphere of the cemetery. Garden crypts and mausoleums also provide interment spaces for those with an aversion to inground burial. Garden crypt buildings can also include features such as committal shelters, chapels, fountains, seating areas, and peaceful areas for reflection.

Previous Pages: Good Shepherd Cemetery - Orland Park, IL Opposite Page: St. Adalbert’s Cemetery - Niles, IL Above: All Saints Cemetery - Des Plaines, IL

Page 25

Previous Pages, Above, and Opposite Page: Holy Sepulcher Cemetery - Mt. of Olives Mausoleum Orange, CA This project made use of land that was unused by the cemetery due to it’s steeper incline. To add inventory, Mekus Tanager designed the Mt. of Olives Mausoleum to tier the hillside, and add wall crypts for a length of approximately a quarter mile. Above the wall crypts, as well as across the road, there are lawn crypts and semi-private estates, as well as columbaria placed in key locations throughout. At the center is a feature area with a statue of Jesus above a fountain, flanked by two olive trees. It was important to the cemetery that the project not obstruct the views out to the mountains from the existing burial sections, and this project was very well received by the community for its minimal impact on existing views.

Page 28

Both Pages: Hillside Memorial Park & Mortuary - Court of the Matriarchs - Culver City, CA The Court of the Matriarchs was sited above a previous spoils section of the cemetery, had a large storm water line underneath, and was to tie into an existing mausoleum (bottom right on the opposite page). The project’s design complements the existing mausoleum, while adding a beautiful, terraced multi-level mausoleum building with landscaped gardens throughout. Outside of the mausoleum there are landscaped gardens for contemplation and reflection, as well as a terraced landscape which rises to meet the cemetery’s property boundaries. Within the terraced landscape, ground burial options were added, as well as semi-private bench estates. A committal shelter is located on the upper terrace, close to the semi-private estates.

Page 31

Both Pages: Resurrection Cemetery - Justice, IL One of Mekus Tanager’s first projects, this building at Resurrection Cemetery features: a mausoleum, 3 chapels which can be used simultaneously, and a field operations center (maintenance facilities). This project was completed over 30 years ago, and still looks fantastic. Mekus Tanager worked on the expansion of the original project as well, which increased the number of garden crypt buildings and burial inventory. To illustrate the longevity of our designs, the photos on top of both pages were taken 30 years prior to the photos at the bottom. As you can see, about the only thing that has changed is the growth of the landscaping.

30 Years Later

Page 32

30 Years Later

Page 33

Opposite Page: Resurrection Cemetery - Mausoleum of the Angels - Clinton Township, MI Left and Below: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Alsip, IL

Page 35

Above: St. Joseph’s Cemetery - River Grove, IL Opposite Page: Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery - Naperville, IL

Page 36

Page 37

Previous Pages: St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery - Palatine, IL Above: Ascension Cemetery - Libertyville, IL Right: St. Joseph Cemetery - Crucifixion Garden Crypts & Niches - River Grove, IL Opposite Page: Maryhill Cemetery - Niles, IL

Page 40

Cremation

Opposite Page: Good Shepherd Cemetery - Orland Park, IL

Above: Resurrection Cemetery - Crematory - Clinton Township, MI

Page 43

Above: Miramar National Cemetery - San Diego, CA - Columbarium Plaza *In conjunction with Van Dyke Landscape Architects Opposite Page: Graceland Cemetery - Racine, WI - Cremation Garden Schematic Design This cremation garden was designed to add cremain inventory and a committal shelter to a historical cemetery, and the design complements the buildings in the area. This cremation garden would add a variety of cremain inventory, as well as having areas that are more traditional in design, more informal, and more private..

Cremation is a major part of the cemetery and funeral industry, and has been increasing each year. It is now estimated that over half of the US population is choosing to be cremated. Additionally, cemeterian’s customers are expecting more burial inventory choices for themselves and their loved ones, a place that makes them feel comfortable and at peace. The objective of the cemeterian is to provide these unique and special burial considerations for all their clients. At Mekus Tanager, a consistent part of our cemetery and funeral home design has included special considerations for cremation. For example Mekus Tanager specifically designed niche sections on a separate level in the garden crypt complex to allow for expanded cremation burial opportunities for Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. As part of the design team for the new Miramar National Cemetery, Mekus Tanager developed numerous columbaria of various sizes to be incorporated throughout the cemetery, as well as a scattering garden, ossuarium, and in-ground cremation. Part of working with our clients as a partner is helping them to achieve their goals. At Mekus Tanager we specialize in timeless cemetery design and also incorporating the current demands of the cemetery industry.

Page 45

Page 47

Previous Page & Opposite Page: Gracelawn Cemetery - Edmond, OK The committal shelter was designed to have a more traditional profile from the front, with a unique profile from the side which allows natural light to penetrate the interior. The lines and angles of the committal shelter naturally draw your eyes towards a focal point at the center, where the deceased would be placed and memorialized during their committal service. The committal shelter will feature an AV system with speakers and a TV screen for funeral and committal services, and will also have a webcam to broadcast committal services online. Seating is flexible, and can be arranged to the bereaved family’s requests or service size. Surrounding the committal shelter is a formal-designed columbaria plaza and cremation garden. Within are benches to rest on and contemplate, and a well landscaped walking path for reflection and healing.

Page 48

Above: Sunset Hill Funeral Home, Cemetery & Cremation Services - Glen Carbon, IL This terraced patio and cremation garden was designed to be added to the rear of an existing funeral home. The design creates a blended environment between the funeral home and the cemetery with a gorgeous naturalistic garden and water feature design. The design includes a variety of cremation options including columbaria, bench estates, cremain memorials, and in ground cremation, as well as some wall crypts beneath the terraced patio.

Page 49

Above : Queen of Heaven Cemetery - Hillside, IL These columbaria were added to an existing mausoleum. The wood materials used are intended to match the materials used on the mausoleum, while adding cremation inventory. Right: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Alsip, IL These columbaria were added to an existing garden crypt building to expand cremation inventory. Opposite Page: All Saints Cemetery - Des Plaines, IL

Page 50

In partnership with Coldspring, Mekus Tanager developed a series of Niche Buildings which will offer the cemeterian a variety of options to add cremation burial inventory to their cemetery. Each building, of which there are five different styles, is designed to be modular, phase-able, and will come with a variety of options to allow each cemetery to customize the building to their particular needs. Additionally, some of the building’s options allow for a remembrance service area, allowing the building to serve as a committal shelter or chapel.

Above : Colomba Niche Building Left: Pavo Niche Building

Page 52

Above : Vela Niche Building Below: Vela Niche Building - The various phasing options for the Vela Niche Building are shown below, demonstrating how the building could be expanded as future inventory demand grows.

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Page 53

Chapels and Committal Shelters

Opposite Page: Hillside Memorial Park - Culver City, CA

Above: Miramar National Cemetery - San Diego, CA

Page 55

This Page & Opposite: St. John’s Cemetery - Chapel & Mausoleum - Columbia, SD 2019 PCI Design Awards - Reliougs Structures - Winner Designed to last for perpetuity, this Chapel & Mausoleum incorporates a chapel space with enough room to serve as an alternate church for the town’s congregation; the chapel space can be opened to the outdoors for indoor-outdoor events via a retractable stained glass window wall; burial inventory includes wall crypts, in-ground crypts, and a columbarium; a kitchenette and restrooms; and a garage workshop in the back of the building to support the cemetery’s operations. The building makes use of pre-cast concrete, a lead roof, and geothermal heating among other features to be as sustainable and longlasting as possible. Due to a generous benefactor who funded this project, this building is available to the congregation as a burial option free of charge.

Page 57

Left: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Alsip, IL Above: Holy Redeemer Cemetery - Phoenix, AZ Both the committal shelters at Holy Sepulchre and Holy Redeemer Cemeteries are designed as the focal point within their respective garden crypt complexes. They offer shelter for small committal services, serve as a place of respite, and also offers to inspire reflection and healing. Opposite Page: All Saints Cemetery - Bourbonnais, IL This is an example of an indoor chapel with burial inventory as part of the interior. The prevalence of windows in this chapel allows for lots of natural light to enter the interior spaces.

Page 58

Page 59

Page 60

Opposite Page: Maryhill Cemetery - Niles, IL Above: Gracelawn Cemetery - Edmond, OK Right: Rock Island National Cemetery - Rock Island Arsenal, IL An example of a committal shelter designed to National Cemetery Administration standards for Rock Island National Cemetery. The aesthetics of the committal shelter tie in to existing buildings within the cemetery, as well as additional buildings designed by Mekus Tanager and constructed as part of the expansion.

Page 61

Decorative Features

Opposite Page: Good Shepherd Cemetery - Outdoor Chapel & Sculpture Fountain - Artist: Theodore Wofford

Above: All Saints Cemetery - Water Feature

Page 63

Above: All Saints Cemetery - Mosaic murals on a prominent tower to help reinforce this cemetery’s Catholic identity. Artist: Inspired Artesians, Ltd. Right: All Saints Cemetery - Fountain

Page 64

Above: All Saints Cemetery - Chapels and Administration Complex - Stained Glass Window Artist: Inspired Artesians, Ltd. Right: Maryhill Cemetery - Outdoor Chapel - Stained Glass Window Artist: Conrad Pickel Studio, Inc.

Page 65

Above: St. Joseph’s Cemetery - Mosaic Niche Wall Artist: Conrad Pickel Studio, Inc. Right: Maryhill Cemetery - Mosaic Niche Wall Artist: Conrad Pickel Studio, Inc.

Page 66

Above: Maryhill Cemetery - Crosses sculpture surrounded by columbarium walls Artist: Mark Dotzler Right: Ascension Cemetery - Sculpture Garden surrounded by Garden Crypts Statue was relocated Artist: Unknown

Page 67

Master Planning

Opposite Page and Above: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery - Alsip, IL

Page 69

Left: Williamson Residence Above and Opposite Page: Williams Residence

Master planning is an essential process for any cemetery, funeral home, or place of worship, and the benefits of developing and implementing a master plan are immense. A master plan allows a client to identify short and long term needs, map their overall strategy and goals, and have a logical and realistic implementation plan for a variety of projects based on need. A well developed master plan will optimize land utilization, while at the same time improving the overall aesthetic of a cemetery or campus by incorporating a variety of features and buildings into a tasteful, coordinated, and cohesive plan. Furthermore an aesthetically pleasing cemetery increases the marketability of the cemetery. We often find that by developing several alternates for a master plan (opposite page), we can allow the client to choose a master plan which best fits their goals. Sometimes the final master plan is one of the developed schemes, and others it is an amalgamation of the different schemes.

Previous Pages: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Des Plaines, IL Above: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Campus Master Plan - Des Plaines, IL

A master plan also includes feasibility studies, both to evaluate existing facilities to determine their long-term sustainability and how they support a client’s goals and needs, and also to analyze the value and return on a variety of future projects. For future projects, master planning can allow for phased project implementation, allowing a client to balance development costs with revenue and expand inventory based on need. Another benefit to master planning is that it can improve pedestrian and vehicular flow and access, and effective design cues can serve to help people navigate a cemetery or campus with ease. Whether you require a master plan for a new development or you wish to develop a plan for an existing property, the master planning process provides a proactive road map rather than a reactive one.

Page 72

Above: Montelena Complejo Funeral - San Salvador, El Salvador. Shown are various master plan schemes developed for the cemetery, as well as a proposed phasing plan for master plan implementation.

Page 73

Key: A - Relocated Office Trailers B - Committal Shelter C - Maintenance Building D - Lawn Crypts / Ground Burial E - Optional Entry Road & Gate F - Funeral Home G - Nature Walk H - Flag Pole I - Wash Area J - Retention Basin L - Utility Easement M - Building Setback Yard N - Future Road Connection O - Well P - Adjacent Parcel of Land Q - Public Parking (90 Spaces) P - Staff Parking / Service S - Mausoleum T - Wall Surrounded Lawn Crypts U - Baby Section V - Relocated Entry Gate W - Infill with Lawn Crypts

Mt. Sinai Cemetery - Master Plan - Phoenix, AZ

Page 75

Above: Willow Lawn Memorial Park - Vernon Hills, IL Opposite Page: Windridge Memorial Park & Nature Sanctuary - Cary, IL Both section plans incorporated traditional and cremation burial inventory within forrested areas of the cemetery to create a naturalistic feel for the sections. Both plans also added a small committal shelter.

Page 76

Administrative Buildings

Opposite Page and Above: All Saints Cemetery Chapels and Administration Complex - Des Plaines, IL

Page 79

Administration buildings play a vital role in the operation of any cemetery. Administration buildings often perform multiple roles, from selling grave sites and crypt spaces, to coordinating cemetery maintenance and operations, or simply providing chapel space to hold memorial services for a family. Because of the varying support functions they are used for, administration buildings must be increasingly more flexible in how their space can be configured to suit the needs of the cemetery.

Above and Right: All Saints Cemetery Chapels and Administration Complex - Des Plaines, IL The Chapels and Administration Complex features administrative areas, 3 chapels of varying sizes to accommodate different sized services simultaneously, public restrooms, a vesting room, and a small field operations garage in the rear. The differing areas of the building are divided to allow for simultaneous operation, as well as so that only the public restrooms can remain unlocked when cemetery staff are gone. The building was designed from the start to be sustainable, and achieved a LEED-Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. You can see the buildings green roof on page 77.

Page 80

Above and Right: Miramar VA National Cemetery Administration Building - San Diego, CA

Page 81

Page 82

Above: Good Shepherd Cemetery Administration Building - Orland Park, IL This Administration Building was designed to accommodate 3 different funeral services simultaneously, as well as provide office space for the cemetery administrative staff. Opposite Page and Left: Resurrection Cemetery Administration Building - Justice, IL Mekus Tanager assisted Resurrection Cemetery with the historical renovation of their administration building. During the renovation, a previously hidden and forgotten-about Tiffany stained glass ceiling was found, and upon discovery, made a focal point of the renovation.

Page 83

Maintenance Facilities

Opposite Page and Above: Miramar VA National Cemetery - San Diego, CA

Page 85

Page 86

Maintenance facilities play an integral role in cemetery operations. They provide a space to store and maintain essential equipment, a place for the storage of necessary materials, and also can provide locker rooms, break areas, rest rooms, and a refueling station. A well designed maintenance facility will help ensure a well functioning and beautiful property.

Above: Rock Island VA National Cemetery - Rock Island, IL Opposite Page and Left: Good Shepherd Cemetery - Orland Park, IL The use of windows on the field operations center allows for plentiful amounts of natural light to fill the interior, and helps to reduce the lighting costs of the building.

Page 87

Page 88

Funeral Homes

Opposite Page and Above: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home - Schererville, IN

Page 89

Above and Right: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home - Schererville, IN

Page 90

Funeral homes play an important role in the cemetery and funeral industry. Often the place of transition between death and interment, funeral homes are responsible for not only preparing the body for interment but also provide visitation services and a place of comfort for the family. Because of the varying demands from family members and the other support functions they must perform, funeral homes increasingly need to be adaptable spaces where one room can serve multiple functions depending on need. Mekus Tanager has experience in funeral home design. Whether the funeral home is a stand alone building or part of an administration complex, Mekus Tanager can design the facility to accommodate any needs, including the incorporation of: reception areas, chapels or service halls, family rooms, arrangement rooms, lounges, conference rooms, cemetery or funeral home offices / sales offices, body preparation, crematoriums, or any need that may arise. Mekus Tanager also specializes in designing buildings for phased construction and expansion opportunities. Whatever your goals and needs are related to funeral homes, Mekus Tanager can assist in any phase of the project.

Above: Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home - Marietta, GA

Above: Mt. Sinai Cemetery - Funeral Home and Administration Building - Traditional Option - Phoenix, AZ

Above: Mt. Sinai Cemetery - Funeral Home and Administration Building - Contemporary Option - Phoenix, AZ

Page 91

Places of Worship

Opposite Page and Above: Winnetka Presbyterian Church - Winnetka, IL

Page 93

Opposite Page and Above: Church of the Holy Spirit - Lake Forest, IL

Page 95

Above and Right: Church of the Holy Spirit - Lake Forest, IL

Page 96

The role that religious institutions play in the lives of their congregation is invaluable. As many religious institutions look to further enrich the lives of their congregation, they are increasingly holding a variety of events within their facilities. Because of this, modern religious institutions need to be able to have multipurposed facilities capable of holding large congregations while at the same time offering numerous nontraditional activity spaces. Mekus Tanager has vast experience in the architecture and design of religious buildings of all denominations. Whether the project is to: master plan a new campus, design a new building to support the overall function of an existing campus, design a new building that is multifaceted and can operate alone, or the expansion of an existing building, Mekus Tanager can work with you to best serve your goals and needs with regards to any religious buildings.

Above and Below: Mision San Juan Diego - Arlington Heights, IL

Page 97

Page 98

The new addition for Northbrook Presbyterian Church was designed to complement the architecture of and form a seamless transition with the existing church. Opposite Page: Northbrook Presbyterian Church - New Addition - Northbrook, IL Above: Northbrook Presbyterian Church - Existing Church - Northbrook, IL Right: Northbrook Presbyterian Church - Addition on the left and existing to the right.

Page 99