Organ Building Adaptive Reuse & CEQA Study

LOCATION: 

Gardena, CA

CLIENT: 

Inglewood Park Cemetery

TIMELINE: 

In Design

This project explores the adaptive reuse of the historic Wurlitzer Organ Building at Roosevelt Memorial Cemetery in Gardena, California. Originally constructed to house a large ceremonial pipe organ, the building became vacant after the organ was removed. The design team was commissioned to develop a sensitive reuse strategy that would preserve the architectural integrity of the historic structure while providing a meaningful new function for the cemetery.

The proposed rehabilitation converts the building into a crypt and urn storage facility, allowing Roosevelt Memorial Cemetery to expand above-ground memorial options while revitalizing an underutilized historic resource. The design carefully balances preservation and modernization, retaining defining architectural elements including the Ionic-columned entry portico, plaster coffered arch, decorative parapet, wrought iron fencing, and stucco masonry façade.

Accessibility improvements are integrated through universal design features, including a new visitor ramp at the primary entrance and service access at the rear for crypt installation and maintenance. Structural upgrades, including seismic reinforcement of unreinforced masonry walls and parapets, ensure the long-term resilience of the historic structure.

All rehabilitation work is planned to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, maintaining the building’s historic eligibility while extending its useful life.