Mount Auburn Cemetery—Bigelow Chapel Addition and Renovation

Watertown, MA


Type of Project: Addition
Duration of Project: 12 Months
Partners: Architect: William Rawn Associates Architects; OPM: CSL Consulting

Noteworthy: Shawmut was engaged by Mount Auburn Cemetery to renovate and build an addition to the historic Gothic Revival-style Bigelow Chapel. The project created an ADA-accessible entrance, new public gathering spaces, the replacement of the aging and inefficient crematory, and an additional event/reception space overlooking the Asa Gray Garden (originally the Lawn) – first laid out and planted 1856-61. The garden is open to the public 365 days a year and serves as horticultural display for self-guided exploration or quiet reflection.

Award: Preservation Massachusetts Fredrick Law Olmsted Award 2019