Ferncliff Cemetery Renovating Historic Home, Providing Indoor Niches

Springfield, Ohio’s Ferncliff Cemetery, Arboretum and Crematory recently began renovation of its historic Superintendent’s House, circa 1890, converting the distinguished structure into the House of Reflections. In its new role, the building will contain 368 glass-fronted indoor niches where family and friends of loved ones can privately reflect in comfortable, updated, tranquil surroundings.

The attractive niches will all have beveled glass, LED lighting as well as the opportunity to include a photo of the loved one and optional niche vases. Six sizes and configurations will be available to meet a wide range of needs, from 12” x 12” to as large as 24” x 24”, many accommodating two urns. “Making niches available in what will be a beautifully restored building is an extension of our commitment to meet the interests of the community,” said Ferncliff Supervisor Stanley Spitler. “These interests are clearly revealed in the increasing utilization of our crematory, installed in 2012.”

The House of Reflections will provide private, environmentally controlled conditions, along with comfortable furniture and soothing music, all to enhance the spirit of meditation. Convenient parking will be available. “The House of Reflections allows family and friends to visit at their leisure and reflect in private, unlike when cremated remains are kept in someone’s home,” noted Spitler.

In transforming the Superintendent’s House, Ferncliff is committed to maintaining the character of the original house while updating the infrastructure and adding up-to-date conveniences and décor. The exterior will be restored, including new windows and a slate roof to replicate the original. Some of the interior changes include new flooring throughout and renovated restrooms.

Installation of the indoor niches is only one of the recent additions to Ferncliff, which has been a focal point of the Springfield community for more than 150 years. In 2014, in commemoration of its sesquicentennial, the organization dedicated the Ferncliff Cemetery War Memorial representing nine significant U.S. military conflicts, from the War of 1812 to the War on Terror. In 2012, Ferncliff began onsite cremations, as a response to the significant rise in cremation as a form of final disposition.

The project is expected to be completed near the end of 2017. Information for pre-orders and pre-planning is currently available.