Elks Lodge Awarded Historic Grant

The Sidney Elks Lodge has been awarded a $415,000 Community Development Block Grant for renovation of the Elks Lodge building.

The project would focus on restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of the Sidney Elks.

Total funding including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant, in-kind work and a grant from Sidney's LB840 fund will total about $500,000.

"We already had 400 to 500 hours of in-kind work," said Elks Lodge member John Phillips.

Work so far has included cleaning rooms in the top floor, including previous jail cells and offices. In the process, the balcony seating and associated lighting is returning to its glory days.

The federal Community Development Block Grants program provides funding for community and economic development. In Nebraska, the program is administered by the Department of Economic Development.

The CDBG grant will be administered by the Panhandle Area Development District (PADD). Phillips and Sidney Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Anita Pennel said the next step is hiring a contractor. That, too, will be conducted by PADD, Phillips said.

"We have no control of the funds," he said.

From there, the project will be put out for bid. An environmental study will also be conducted.

"I'm hoping we can keep it as local as we can," he added.

The priority of the project is to upgrade the heating, plumbing and electrical systems, HVAC and improve energy efficiency. The plan is to also add an handicap accessible restroom.

Pennel and Phillips said the work has not been limited to Elks members. Volunteers from the Way Out West organization, Scouts and the community at large, have committed time and effort in the Elks project, according to Phillips.

Phillips said one of the projects the organization is focused on is returning the exterior sign.

"That is very important to us," he said.