There's something new at a historic cemetery in Akron: a columbarium.

Glendale Cemetery has decided to add the new burial option to coincide with the upward trend of cremation.

"A lot of people think Glendale isn't a functioning and operating cemetery today because it's so old, but we are and we're ready to meet today's needs," John Frank, president of the Glendale Board of Trustees, said.

More and more Americans are choosing to be cremated and the number is expected to rise to about 45% in the next few years, according to Frank.

The columbarium is set on the cemetery's main road which includes more than a dozen mausoleums of prominent Akron community leaders and industrialists.

"It fits in perfectly with the old mausoleums."

Old Cemetery, New Columbarium by Amani Abraham

Glendale Cemetery spent more than $125,000 to the lay the groundwork to build the first columbarium. Two more will be added at a later time.

According to the cemetery's website, 60 niche units have been placed in the center of the garden, and each niche can accommodate up to two urns. 

Glendale, founded in 1839, is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

On the Web: www.glendaleakron.com/cremation-garden/