By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
December 6, 2007

Elks Lodge 1507 wants to either sell its headquarters in downtown Hood River, exchange the property or share space with another enterprise.

“We’re really looking for someone to come to us with their vision for the building,” said Randy Baker, chair of the building committee.

He said the 26,000-square-foot structure at Third Street and Cascade Avenue is aging and needs expensive upgrades. Baker said only a fraction of the 700 lodge members regularly come to the private club for social time and/or use of the athletic facilities. So it has grown increasingly difficult for the service organization to come up with money to replace the roof and make other improvements.

“We don’t need this huge building and there are a lot of things that need to be addressed to keep it functional,” said Baker.

The lodge owned by the Elks since 1949 had a swimming pool and workout room added in 1955 and the club area remodeled in 1964. Not much has been done with the facility since that time beyond regular maintenance, according to Mark Freeman, a trustee and member of the building committee.

He said a developer might be interested in utilizing the building for a hotel because of its architectural features, such as a ballroom and sweeping staircase. He said the structure and parking lot cover an entire city block and is also prime real estate for condominiums or a commercial endeavor.

“It would be wonderful to invest the profits from the land our forefathers gave us in a way that allows us to continue our programs for the next 50 years,” said Freeman.

Instead of setting a price for the building, the Elks are asking potential buyers or developers to submit some type of a proposal. Design plans and both exchange and purchase offers will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2008. A package of choices will then be compiled by the building committee and brought before the membership for consideration.

“We’re collecting options,” said Anita Gannan, chair of the board of trustees. “There are a lot of people that feel ownership and that’s what we want.”

Baker said the Elks intend to retain 15,000 square feet of the current facility or end up in another building of that same size — hopefully with a river view. Not only does the lodge want staging room for larger events but expansion of the athletic center to draw younger members.

Baker said it is vital to the future of the lodge that families feel comfortable coming to the club for recreation. The money generated from memberships and both food and beverage sales are used to support numerous charitable causes.

“People have so much going on in their lives today that’s it’s tough for them to find time to volunteer. But just by coming here they can have a good time and help the community,” said Baker.

He said many people have stereotyped a fraternal organization as a place where people just sit around a bar and drink. Baker said the $135 annual membership provides access to workout and game rooms, spa, sauna and a scenic dining area with generous meals served at discounted prices.

Funding generated by Elks’ activities is poured into patriotic, educational and community programs. These endeavors on the local level include student scholarships, Christmas baskets for veterans, a Halloween party for children, hospice care, the annual drug and alcohol-free party for graduating seniors and much more.

The Hood River lodge contributes to both state and national programs, such as speech, hearing and eye clinics for children and the Special Olympics. Since the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was founded about 130 years ago, billions of dollars have been used to help Americans of all ages.

“We really have a lot to offer and we are trying to break down the perception that we operate behind closed doors with a lot of mystic,” said Freeman.

He said the “solemn and beautiful” initiation ritual for new members continues as a tradition. Those joining the Elks take an oath to uphold four pillars: brotherly love, charity, justice and fidelity. Freeman said the historic ceremony fosters a sense of belonging that carries into modern-day activities just for members and guests, such as the upcoming New Year’s Eve Party.

“By becoming involved with the Elks you have the opportunity to directly influence your community,” said Terry McShane, current exalted ruler.