The Beginnings
The year was 1921, Warren G. Harding was president and a loaf of bread was about ten cents.
A group of men from Wenatchee decided to build a permanent home for the local chapter of the Elks club and began to build a magnificent gilded age building in the heart of Wenatchee. The image to the right is one of the rare images taken showing the west and south sides of the building.
The main entry was from the West side in the center on Chelan avenue, the south side is facing Orondo avenue.
A group of men from Wenatchee decided to build a permanent home for the local chapter of the Elks club and began to build a magnificent gilded age building in the heart of Wenatchee. The image to the right is one of the rare images taken showing the west and south sides of the building.
The main entry was from the West side in the center on Chelan avenue, the south side is facing Orondo avenue.
The Big Fire, 1958
December 31st, 1958 there was a large party to celebrate the new year. By the morning of January 1st, 1959 the Elks Club was engulfed in flames. Although there was a thorough investigation, the cause of the fire was never determined but it was suspected to be from a burning cigarette left behind.
The Remodel, 1959-1960
Together with a large insurance settlement and the contributions of members, the Elks club established a plan to fully renovate the burnt out shell of their previous lodge house and make it into a first class club complete with gym, showers, steam room, swimming pool elevator, lounges, a ballroom and 3 full service kitchens including a dumbwaiter connecting those 3 kitchens. The west and south sides of the building were fitted with a mid century modern facade and the entry was moved to the west side of the corner.
End Of An Era 2004-2014
After being suspended by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the United States of America--the Wenatchee Elks Lodge No. 1186's members decided to disband in mid-August after 94 years in Wenatchee and 83 years in the same building. The building was sold in 2006 to a nightclub owner and developer. The building saw several different nightclubs come and go over the years.
New Life With a New Purpose 2014-Present
In May of 2014, Jeff and Leanna Kurpuis purchased the building with a vision to bring some new life and use to the downtown property. After 2 years of repair and restoration, the project is now complete which included taking 1 full service kitchen out and changing it to a business operation with offices. Another level with offices, kitchen and conference room. A full basement for team members working there to use the gym facilities and fully restored swimming pool. The last project was the grand ballroom which included completely gutting and restoring the catering kitchen, bar area, 4000 square foot maple dance floor, lighting, bathrooms, and seating. The grand ballroom is capable of having up to 350 guests.