Green Lawn Abbey is a 654 crypt, two-story mausoleum built to last an eternity.  Much of the inspiration for Green Lawn Abbey’s neoclassical design can be found in the villas of the 16^th century architect Andrea Palladio who became a primary source for modern neoclassical designs in the 18^th, 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  The Abbey’s five-part massing (central temple, wings, and wing ends) is a common neoclassical form and was popularized by Palladio’s villas including the Villa Barbaro and the Villa Emo near Venice.

Green Lawn Abbey has a commanding presence.  Significantly larger than other mausoleums in the area, Green Lawn Abbey’s full featured neoclassical two-story design, its quality of construction and extensive use of fine materials make it an exceptional community mausoleum.

Exterior

The most notable feature of Green Lawn Abbey is its imposing classic two-story temple front.  Two sets of flanking stairs ascend to the second floor portico featuring four free-standing Tuscan columns on pedestals with a set of balustrades between.  The molded gabled pediment is inscribed with the year “1927” and is adorned with stylized doves on either side. The second floor portico has a terrazzo floor and the gabled roof is covered with Spanish tile.  A raised design and flanking lanterns adorn the second floor entrance.  The wings either side of the portico are also two-storied and contain niches with small Tuscan colunettes and stained glass windows.  The double stairs with 90 degree turns (reminiscent of Lord Burlington’s important 18^th century Chiswick House near London) descend to the first floor.  Here beneath the portico is an arched entry with granite voussoirs of the Palladian type.  Both floors feature arched iron swinging gates which lead to recessed six-panel bronze entry doors.