In July 2025, the Billy Webb Elks Lodge completed the critical structural repairs to the iconic place cherished for its significance to Portland's African American history and experience, and anchors the Albina neighborhood. The 99-year-old building suffered a devastating fire in 2021 that permanently shuttered the building and all events/programming offered from this volunteer-led organization. To reopen during its 100th anniversary in 2026, the Lodge now launches a capital campaign to complete the final Phase 2 restoration.

Restore Oregon added the Lodge to our Oregon’s Most Endangered Places program in 2020, due to neighborhood gentrification and heightened demolition of the Albina neighborhood. Initially, we worked to support the listing in the National Register of Historic Places and developed a business plan for their legacy organization to survive and thrive. But on September 11, 2021, a devastating fire occurred and our free technical services and support significantly increased as a result. Restore Oregon has been a key partner working extensively with the Lodge leadership, architect, and contractor to help restore this historic resource to reopen once again. “Our volunteer capacity needed support and the resources provided by Restore Oregon, before and especially now since the fire, have been invaluable,” said Deborah Roache’ Daughter Ruler of the Billy Webb Elks Lodge.

It has served the traditionally African American neighborhood of Albina as a Black YWCA, a USO center for black servicemen, and as a Black Elks Lodge at a time when national membership excluded African Americans. Before the fire, the Lodge was a hub for community services, events and cultural gatherings for people of all colors who have long and deep ties to the Albina community.

“The most urgent repairs are complete and we’re turning our focus to restoring the inside so we can welcome the community home again, said Lou McLemore, Exalted Ruler of the Billy Webb Elks Lodge. “This building is part of Portland’s soul.”

Phase 1 Accomplishments

Resolve Architecture + Planning and Andersen Construction worked closely with the Lodge leadership to repair the heavily damaged structure and secure the building from further weather damage. This construction phase included all the major exterior elements needed to enclose the building, including rebuilding the roof infrastructure, replacing the entire roof, re-routing systems and creating a new emergency egress, and preparing for the interior finish work. It was completed at the end of July. This work was funded through transformative grants from Meyer Memorial Trust and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, insurance proceeds and community contributions. Additional critical partners who contributed included:

Kinsman Foundation (in support of Oregon’s Most Endangered Places to Restore Oregon)
Shiels Obletz Johnsen (Kim Knox)
Davis Wright Tremaine (Marcus Eyth)
Debora Leopold Hutchins
James Posey, President of NAACP
Constructing Hope
City of Portland
Westminster Presbyterian Church (Rev. Beth Merrill Neel)
Moreland Resource Consulting
Works Real Estate

Next Steps: Phase 2

Billy Webb Elks Lodge is now working to secure additional funding for Phase 2 construction that is required to fully re-open to the public. The final phase will restore the interior spaces, starting with the beloved ballroom, upgrade the electric and HVAC, complete the commercial kitchen, finalize some exterior finishes and refresh the landscaping. Prosper Portland and the Kinsman Foundation have pledged initial funding, but the Lodge must raise an additional $1 million to reopen. “We are working extremely hard to get the Lodge re-opened during its 100th Anniversary year. To get back in service to the community, we are now raising approximately $1,000,000,” said McLemore.

How to Get Involved

Attend Community Meetings hosted by Billy Webb Elks Lodge:

- When: September 4, 2025 at 4 pm or September 6 and 1 pm
- Where: NAACP Portland Chapter Offices (1257 Lloyd Center, Portland)

Volunteer Clean Up Day – Saturday, September 13, 2025 – In partnership with Taking Ownership PDX
Donate or Join – Support the Phase 2 campaign via GoFundMe or become a Lodge member

Major Preservation Milestone for Billy Webb Elks Lodge