PIDRC honors Elks for façade improvements
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
THE PRESQUE ISLE ELKS LODGE 1954 was recognized last week by the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee (PIDRC) with a 2010 Façade Improvement Award for the extensive project they took on last summer.
New fiber cement siding with brick columns were put on in an effort to help create a more attractive downtown. Pictured are, from left: Judy Dionne, executive assistant to the city manager; PIDRC members Mandy Pooler, Scott Violette, Patty LeBlanc, Leigh Smith, chair; Elks Exalted Ruler Ernest Lovely, Moe Collins, chair of the trustees for the Elks; and Bill Davis, Elks trustee.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954 was honored last Wednesday by the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee (PIDRC) for the extensive façade improvement efforts they made to their building last summer.
“The Presque Isle Elks Lodge has long been a supporter of the PIDRC, and with their recent improvements, they have set the bar for other businesses and building owners downtown,” said Leigh Smith, chair of the PIDRC. “Aesthetics are key to the revitalization of a downtown area, and the movement to a cleaner, more attractive district only happens one building at a time.
“It is the small things that add up to big change … from flower buckets to banners to washing windows and hosting events. These types of activities generate interest and energy in the downtown,” he said. “The Elks saw our commitment to improving the area, and decided to be part of that energy. They own a key parcel of real estate here, and subsequently since their project, the building next door has sold and other buildings on this side of town have turned over and are being renovated. This is the classic domino effect in action.”
During a brief ceremony held at the lodge, located at 508 Main St., the Elks were presented with a 2010 Façade Improvement Award.
Recognizing that a significant amount of work has been done on the inside of the lodge, Moe Collins, chair of the trustees for the Presque Isle Elks, said it was time to improve the outside, as well.
“About 25 years ago, we had wood put on the outside of the building, but it was starting to pull off and rather than repair it, we decided it was time to do something different,” he said. “I had heard about the PIDRC and had met with them during the winter and I came back to the Lodge with some ideas and we voted on it.”
The outside is fiber cement siding with brick columns.
“The members chose the color and the look,” said Elks Exalted Ruler Ernest Lovely. “We wanted their input as this is their building. The siding goes all the way around the building including the back.”
Plans for the project began to take shape in 2006.
“We brought engineers and architects in to look it all over,” said trustee Bill Davis, “and ultimately we went with John Desjardins Construction Co. which did one heck of a job.”
The Elks, Collins said, invested “in excess of $100,000” into the façade improvements.
“Everything’s all paid for, and we didn’t have to borrow anything as we had the money built up,” he said. “We don’t owe a thing on this project. We’re all satisfied with the work. It took all of one summer, but look at it. This is something that’s going to last at least 50 years. I think it’s a great improvement and hopefully this will help encourage the city of Presque Isle to get motivated, maybe get some grants and get this started like other towns are doing downstate.”
“It’s a very good feeling to be recognized by the city and the PIDRC,” said Lovely. “We’re glad that they’re appreciative, but it was something we felt we needed to do to improve our appearance and image.”
There are currently over 400 members of the Presque Isle Elks Lodge. For more information on the Elks, call 764-0985.
