Turning a school into a funeral home? That unique transformation is happening now, as Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Homes prepares to open at the former St. Mary’s School in South Milwaukee.
I had the chance to tour the new Sass South Shore Chapel location — still very much under construction — on Monday, and I came away impressed with a terrific example of a second-generation reuse of a property.
From the large, open hall in the basement to the classrooms remaining on the second floor, there’s still plenty of signs that this was a school not too long ago. The biggest changes, however, are coming on the main floor, as Sass plans a large chapel, offices and family lounge. Workers were busily rehabbing the interior this week, and the funeral home is expected to open in April.
The facility at 1314 Manitoba Ave. will be Sass’ fifth location and its first in the South Shore, as Sass celebrates its 76th year in 2013. It’s a welcome addition, and I wish Sass & Sons well in South Milwaukee.
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