Discussion on the project goes back years, possibly decades. Now, the discussion is very close to becoming reality.

 

This Friday, city officials, including those with the Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, will open bids for a Mausoleum at the Bridgeport City Cemetery. And by no means is this a small project.

 

“This is easily a seven-figure project,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth, whose department oversees the cemetery.

 

Mausoleums are common at cemeteries. They are above ground building that house tombs and can also house ashes.

 

The exact cost will be determined at the bid opening. The process is set for 10 a.m. inside of City Council Chambers at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex Friday. The only thing that could delay it would be a low bid that comes in way over what the city has estimated for the project.

 

“The good news is there are no general fund dollars going into this project. The revenue stream is self-sufficient off of the trust fund (set up by the city’s most famous son Michael Benedum),” said Shuttleworth. “We use a percentage off the interest in the trust fund not just for operations, but for future development.”

 

Shuttleworth said they have been saving money for several years off the fund’s interest. Anything not covered by what is already put back will be paid for by a small loan to complete the project.

 

“We have a good bit of money saved up and can use a loan if needed to cover the rest of the costs,” said Shuttleworth. “The loan would also be paid for by revenue derived from the trust fund.”

 

The mausoleum will not limit future space. Shuttleworth said there are nine undeveloped acres that should carry the city well into the future, and this project will not eat heavily into that.

 

“The location is in the back corner near the airport side of things. It’s a large pavilion style facility with wood features in the architecture with a focal point being some impressive timbers,” said Shuttleworth. “It will be a nice facility.”

 

Shuttleworth estimated there will be 300 crypts. He also said planning was done as there is a national trend for cremation and those remains are put into items he said are called “niches.” There will be room for several hundred niches in the facility.

 

“We’re also building and designing it for expansion,” said Shuttleworth.

 

Like many mausoleums, there will be a chapel inside. The chapel will serve as a place for services on-site, as well as a place to go in the event of inclement weather.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is an architectural rending of the mausoleum, while Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth is shown below.