In its 98-year history, the Billy Webb Elks Lodge 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 the Elks organization did not allow black members. Today, the lodge uses the building for community services and as a social gathering place providing an environment that promotes safety, dignity, respect, and pride for people of color who have long and deep ties to the Albina community. As the neighborhood has gentrified, the lodge also welcomes the influx of a primarily white and younger demographic in Albina. However, growing pressure to redevelop the property in the face of dwindling membership is an urgent threat. The building needs substantial physical improvements and upgrades to attract membership and sustain itself as a vital and evolving community gathering place.
