Planning a Community Columbarium: A Practical Checklist

Cremation now accounts for the majority of dispositions in the United States, and columbaria have become one of the most effective ways for cemeteries to grow revenue per acre.

1. Set a realistic ten-year capacity

Look at the last five years of cremation interments and pre-need inquiries, then plan the first phase to cover roughly three years of demand.

2. Design for phasing from day one

Modular systems like our Haven and Arbor collections are engineered so the first phase never looks unfinished.

• Confirm frost depth and foundation requirements
• Plan drainage before niche layout
• Reserve a sightline for future phases
• Decide on shutter engraving: in-place or at the plant

3. Price niches by position

Eye-level niches consistently sell first. Tiered pricing smooths sales across the full wall and improves long-term revenue.