Demolition of the Mountain Home Elks Lodge

Local residents watch the demolition

Demolition of the Mountain Home Elks Lodge, which suffered a tragic fire three months ago, began Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Following a capping of a gas line, water line and sewer line, the demolition of the old building, to make room for the new replacement structure, began at the southeast corner corner of the building first, in order for lodge members to recover a time capsule.

The lodge was only able to salvage office furniture and membership records from the fire. From the kitchen, dining room and members' bar, a total of 1,500 lbs. of scrap metal was collected.

A number of Elks were in attendance to watch the old building taken down.

The new building to be built on the same site will feature the same amenities as the original, although the building will be made 20 feet closer to the street and 20 feet further to the south toward the old Mountain Home Ford building

The new facility will be able to accommodate 450 people in its dining/event area (roughly a 50 percent increase in its total capacity).

The building is scheduled to be completed some time in June or July, depending on weather conditions.

The activities that regularly take place at the lodge will recommence with the same schedule after the new lodge is built.