Norwood Elks Announce Plans for Major $600,000 New Lodge Facility-October 12, 1979

To accommodate a rapidly expanding fraternal order and replace a drafty, turn-of-the-century structure, the Norwood Elks have unveiled preliminary architectural plans to construct a brand-new building adjacent to their current lodge.

The proposed project calls for a modern, two-level facility encompassing approximately 12,500 square feet, with estimated construction costs ranging between $500,000 and $600,000. According to Exalted Ruler Paul Seaman, the historic existing lodge—once home to the Norwood Press Club—will be retained and integrated alongside the new addition.

Expanding Capacity and Addressing Modern Needs

Founded in 1907 and stationed at “Elks Park”—an 8.74-acre interior parcel off Winslow and Walnut avenues and Chapel Street—since 1923, the Norwood Elks boast more than 1,200 members. The lodge serves a wide regional footprint, drawing members from surrounding towns given that the nearest neighboring lodges are located in Franklin, Randolph, Newton, and Boston.

The new building design significantly boosts assembly capacities:

• Downstairs Function Area: Designed to accommodate up to 300 people.
• Upstairs Facility: Designed for 150 people.
• Comparison: The current lodge capacity is limited to 200 upstairs and 90 downstairs.

“We are not efficient here,” Seaman explained, pointing out that the existing turn-of-the-century structure suffers from major liabilities, including a lack of a fire sprinkler system, high heating and cooling costs, and general draftiness.

The expanded facility will provide much-needed space for an upgraded grill room and function hall, though Seaman noted that rental income is not the primary driver for the project.

Zoning Hurdles and Timeline

While leadership is optimistic, officials are proceeding cautiously. “We have a dream,” remarked Loyal Knight William C. Phipps, acknowledging that mortgage financing costs remain a key concern, though Seaman expressed strong confidence in securing favorable financing.

The immediate hurdle facing the lodge is an upcoming October 30 public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Securing the necessary special permit will allow the lodge to finalize construction contracts. Under an optimistic timeline, Seaman estimated that occupancy of the new building could happen by late 1980.

Community Service and Growing Membership

Elks Trustee Paul McKeon noted that membership is climbing on a monthly basis, driven by active club functions and a robust commitment to charitable work. Elks membership is open to any American male over 21 “believing in God and Country.”

Beyond social programs, the lodge maintains an active philanthropic presence in the community:

• Periodic visits and support for veterans at hospitals in West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.
• Hosting annual cookouts, delivering Christmas gifts, and donating specialized equipment to the Massachusetts Hospital School for Crippled Children in Canton.

With membership projected to level off between 1,500 and 1,600, lodge leaders believe the new facility will secure the Elks’ operational future in Norwood for decades to come.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger