Since the September 2021 fire that devastated the Billy Webb Elks Lodge (BWEL) ballroom, Restore Oregon and BWEL leadership have been working together on fundraising and restoration planning for the lodge, beginning with authorizing a condition assessment led by Restore Oregon Board member Sean Bolden, in collaboration with John Flynn of Resolve Architecture and Planning and Maab Mohammad.
With that condition assessment now completed, focus has shifted to developing a project plan, scope and budget to allow BWEL leadership to plan for restoration, continue to fundraise to fill any budget gaps, and set a target date for re-opening. Owner’s representative Kim Knox of Shiels Obletz Johnsen has graciously offered her time and expertise to assist in this critical new phase of planning.
Long-range planning for the lodge’s future is moving forward in parallel with the restoration planning. John Jackley of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Portland Chapter is close to completing a feasibility study which explores self-sustaining uses for the property and outlines steps to optimize the building and its operations for new income-producing uses. Results of his study are expected later this month. This work was made possible thanks to John’s generosity, support from NAMC, and grant funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Restore Oregon has also provided technical support and has assisted BWEL’s all-volunteer leadership in identifying and applying for grants. For example, in January, BWEL utilized a Restore Oregon seed grant to hire historic preservation consultant Kim Moreland to write a letter of intent for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s (NTHP) African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund grant. In addition, BWEL was awarded a Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) mini grant to assist the lodge in finding resources to pursue funding for energy efficiency upgrades to help lower their operational costs.
We will continue to provide updates as the Billy Webb Elks Lodge reaches its fundraising and restoration milestones. For information on how you can help, contact katelyn@restoreoregon.org.