Clasen-Jordan breaks ground at new location

Published 10:20 am Tuesday, May 17, 2011

An artist rendering of the expanded Clasen-Jordan funeral home. -- Art provided

Five years ago, Clasen-Jordan Mortuary owner Dave Clasen began the process of deciding whether to add on or look for a new location.

On Monday, Clasen broke ground on a 4,500-foot expansion.

The addition, which includes a 5,000-square foot remodeling project, will give Clasen much needed extra space. The addition will include a new lobby, a new chapel that will seat 175, offices, new bathrooms, an arrangement room and a children’s room.

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Changes to the existing structure include converting the chapel into a community room with seating for over 100, a kitchenette for catering, and an update to the audio and visual systems. Everything will be handicapped accessible.

Clasen, sole owner of Clasen-Jordan, said discussions began when they realized they needed a bigger, more accommodating chapel. He said because his property is landlocked with little room for expansion, they initially began looking at lots for sale around Austin. But after discussing it with his wife, Leanne, and asking around, the consensus was that they should stay in an area that is developing.

“The Austin downtown is improving,” he said. “Downtown is really looking nice.”

A year and a half ago, Clasen was notified that lots east of the funeral home were for sale, and after making sure it was large enough, Clasen finalized plans for the expansion.

“We wanted the place more up-to-date without having to raise prices,” Clasen said. “We weighed all the issues, the pros and cons. It was a five year project talking to the city, the county, Realtors. After looking at several locations, we made the decision to stay.”

The general contractor is Keystone Design Build, Inc. of Waite Park, Minn., and all sub-contractors and materials are local, Clasen said.

Site preparation began Monday, including tree removal and some excavating. Russ Karasch of Keystone said framework should begin after Memorial Day. The project is slated for completion Nov. 1, and an open house will be scheduled after that.

Members of Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and Keystone Design Build, Inc. pose during a groundbreaking ceremony Monday. From left: Clasen-Jordan owner Dave Clasen, his son Seth, Clasen's wife Leanne, sons Isaac and Sam, Clasen-Jordan employee Eric Kline, his son Eli and daughter Raistlyn, Kline's wife April, Clasen-Jordan employee Jim Braaten, and Keystone co-owners Marc Kelash and Russ Karasch. -- Adam Harringa/adam.harringa@austindailyherald.com