Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery hosted a large groundbreaking in September heralding a bright future for the Cape Coral landmark.

Chuck Warren, director of operations, and Mayor Joe Coviello were joined by a crowd of 50 when ground was broken on a 8,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art building slated to open in the spring. The new building will be on the 68-acre property, facing Chiquita Boulevard.

The new facility will enable Coral Ridge to provide a venue for all types of events, including celebrations of life, receptions, weddings and private gatherings, Warren said. The exterior will be lined with stonework and feature a steeple rooftop. Influenced by Cape Coral’s subtropical location, the interior will feature vibrant tropical tones and a calming environment with plenty of natural light and spacious, high-beamed ceilings. It can accommodate more than 175 guests.

The current chapel and administrative offices are housed in the former Ranch House Motel, which offered lodging to winter tourists and joined the county’s tax roles in 1947. It is the oldest existing building in Cape Coral. Coral Ridge has been providing local funeral services since 1965.

Coral Ridge is part of Dignity Memorial, which has 2,000 sites nationwide, and 14 member funeral homes in Southwest Florida. In addition to weddings and private events, Coral Ridge will continue to offer traditional funerals, military services, customized memorial services, burials, entombments and cremation services.