In the early morning of September 11th, 2021, the Billy Webb Elks Lodge in North Portland’s Albina neighborhood suffered a devastating fire as a result of trespassers. The decking attached to the rear of the building caught fire, which in turn ignited two adjacent walls and the roof above the lodge’s ballroom. Thankfully, the fire was reported quickly enough that it was contained in time to save much of the building. Unfortunately, the blaze left gaping holes in the building’s roof, and burnt rafters throughout. Water has destroyed the walls and floor of the ballroom, as well as the basement below, and the entire interior has been damaged by smoke. (Read full story in the Oregonian.) 

The structural damage was more than anticipated, and with overall higher prices for construction costs these days, the Lodge had to make the hard decision to complete restoration in two phases and is asking for assistance to complete the work needed to finally re-open.

Additional Support Needed - Phase 2 Funding to Fully Re-Open to the Public
With Phase 1 fully funded and work now underway, the lodge must now secure additional funding for Phase 2 construction to restore the interior spaces, including the beloved ballroom. Lou McLemore, Exalted Ruler, Deborah Roache, Daughter Ruler, and others are working tirelessly to save and restore the heavily damaged structure, which serves as headquarters for one of Portland’s remaining African American Fraternal Organizations, but we need help from the community. Every contribution, however small, makes a difference. We are working hard to get the Lodge re-opened and back in service to the community.
Phase 2 overall budget to complete the restoration is approximately $500,000. The Lodge has created a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $25,000 and are asking for community support from any and all donation amounts.
Why Help The Billy Webb Elks Lodge?
The Billy Webb Elks Lodge, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is one of only a handful of African American places recognized in Oregon. The lodge has a long association with the historic African American community in the Albina District of Portland. Prior to the fire, the lodge used the historic building for community services and as a social gathering place, providing an environment that promotes safety, dignity, respect, and pride for people of all colors who have long and deep ties to the Albina community. As an iconic anchor to the Black identity and heritage of Portland’s Albina neighborhood and one of the few remaining spaces left that is still run by a strong community of Black leaders, the Billy Webb Elks Lodge - with your support - is determined to continue to serve as a key historical and cultural landmark for the African American community.
Funds raised through GoFundMe will assist with:
  • Interior construction costs (Phase 2)
  • Overhead expenses while the lodge remains closed and unusable for public purposes
Please donate to the lodge fully recover!
With your support, this iconic landmark will be on its way to shine again and serve the community as a beloved gathering space once again!