November 17, 2015

McMenamins to start Tacoma Elks Lodge in 2016

Courtesy Ankrom Moisan Architects [enlarge]

Fresh off the successful opening of Anderson School in Bothell, McMenamins is diving into its next local project: rehabbing the 99-year-old Tacoma Elks Lodge.

McMenamins said it wants to start work next spring on the 1916 property at 565 Broadway. The company said in a press release that it has obtained permits for the renovation and is on track to open the lodge by summer 2017.

Tacoma Elks Lodge will house a 46-room hotel; three restaurants; several small bars; a McMenamins brewery; gardens to supply the restaurants; and a ballroom for live music, events, weddings and meetings.

The Spanish Steps on one side of the building were modeled after the Scalinata di Spagna in Rome, and will become an outdoor cafe and patio.

The lodge dates back to a time when fraternal organizations held a lot of sway in their communities and had enough funds to build their own headquarters.

The Elks Lodge was designed by E. Frere Champney in what the press release calls the second Renaissance Revival style. McMenamins bought the building in 2009.

Ankrom Moisan Architects designed the renovation, and Andersen Construction will be the general contractor.

McMenamins said it is seeking $8 million to $10 million through an online investment opportunity to help pay for the more than $25 million project. McMenamins is looking for a minimum commitment of $150,000 from accredited investors — people with a net worth of more than $1 million or $200,000 in annual income. McMenamins also used crowdfunding to raise $6.3 million for Anderson School in Bothell.