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GC095.JPG

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It took four years (from 1865 to 1869) for Cincinnati architect James Keyes Wilson to design this Gothic Revival combination chapel and mausoleum for the Dexter brothers-the chapel is above and the crypts are below. Although the Dexter brothers wanted a structure that was reminiscent of Sainte Chapelle in Paris, Wilson may also have been inspired by Chinchester Cathedral in England. Dexter Chapel/Mausoleum Spring Grove Cemetery Cincinnati, Ohio It took four years (from 1865 to 1869) for Cincinnati architect James Keyes Wilson to design this Gothic Revival combination chapel and mausoleum for the Dexter brothers—the chapel is above and the crypts are below. Although the Dexter brothers wanted a structure that was reminiscent of Sainte Chapelle in Paris, however, Wilson may also have been inspired by Chinchester Cathedral in England. With its flamboyant design and massive flying buttresses, it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the Cincinnati Area. The $100,000 cost of the mausoleum was quite extravagant for its time, but it has long been a centerpiece for Spring Grove cemetery. The structure has unfortunately been plagued with structural problems almost from the beginning. The sandstone walls were once covered with ivy which contributed to its decay. Many of the turrets, crockets and pinnacles have deteriorated and fallen to the ground. Despite periodic attempts at restoration, it may have to be torn down.