GENEVA – Block by block, a giant igloo is taking shape in Geneva.
Alex Tapia has been building the structure at 874 E. Main St.
About 80 percent finished, he was heading down the homestretch on Monday, Jan. 26, with his snowy creation. Only some roofing work remained.
A love of the snow partially precipitated his project.
“Honestly, I like snow, and I get bored, so my wife says, ‘no man cave in the house,’” he said. “Gotta go outside and make one.”
According to Tapia, more than 400 18-inch blocks weighing 50 pounds have been used so far on the structure, which features two interlocking circular tunnels. The actual igloo is in the center, at the end of the passageways.
He’s gotten some positive comments from people, including his kids and many grandkids – including a two-and-a-half year old grandson who really enjoys the igloo.
“They love it,” Tapia said. “It blows your mind, all ages.”
His dog, Skippy, even seems to find the igloo a tail-waggin’ good time.
“My dog came in here, checked it out, she loves it,” he said.
There’s been a flurry of comments on social media about Tapia’s igloo.
“When I drive by it makes me smile,” Tammy Murphy wrote on Facebook. “What an amazing job and so much work!!!! I love it!!!!”
“He always does a great job,” Paul Wright wrote in a post. “I look forward every winter to his creations.”
Tapia, who has been building igloos the past 11 years, said this one is the biggest.
The tunnels themselves are seven feet tall and the igloo in the center will be 11 feet tall, when done. He plans on putting out a neon sign beside it. In the igloo, there were will even be a fake ficus tree, carpet and electricity.
Tapia has gotten some help from his son in building the igloo, but he’s done the lion’s share of the work. It’s a passion.
“I just like doing it,” he said.
