South Sound News

McMenamins making progress restoring Tacoma's Elks Temple Lodge

TACOMA, Wash. — Hotel and brew pub chain McMenamins is making progress on the renovation of the Elks Temple Lodge in Tacoma.

The News Tribune toured the building on Broadway.

Mike McMenamin called the restoration an “environmental search and seizure.” Contractors have spent months removing asbestos, garbage and lead paint.

“We've been involved in a lot of older buildings, but this has probably been the most difficult one to get a handle on because of costs,” said McMenamin.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Elks Lodge was built in 1915-16.

Once complete, the lodge will feature a pub, three restaurants, a ballroom and a hotel with about 45 rooms. There will also be space for live music, events, weddings and meetings.

The company is seeking $10 million from private investors to fund the $32 million restoration of the building.