Capital Campaign History
The Allegheny Elks is our connection to the historic Deutschtown neighborhood, the former Allegheny City, and the over 125-year Lodge history of community engagement and charitable service. The corner of Cedar Ave. and Pressley St. has been our home since April 9, 1896 when the Allegheny Elks Lodge No. 339, was instituted with 103 charter members . On March 15, 1924 the third floor lodge quarters and club room were destroyed by fire
Redesigned after a 1924 fire Elks 339 reopened on March 5, 1926. The new steel structured building was designed by renowned local architect Edward B. Lee. The central elements of Lee’s vision have fallen out of regular use due to age and maintenance challenges. These include a third- floor ballroom and a rooftop garden with majestic views of Downtown, the North Shore stadiums, and the surrounding hills.
Redesigned after a 1924 fire Elks 339 reopened on March 5, 1926. The new steel structured building was designed by renowned local architect Edward B. Lee. The central elements of Lee’s vision have fallen out of regular use due to age and maintenance challenges. These include a third- floor ballroom and a rooftop garden with majestic views of Downtown, the North Shore stadiums, and the surrounding hills.
The first large scale remodeling of our present Lodge facility took place in 1938 when extensive changes were made, and by 1944 the mortgage on the building was paid in full.
In 1946, another remodeling took place which could make good our boast of having one of the finest Lodge Homes in Elkdom. In keeping with the progress of the North Side, in our sixty-fifth year, the Allegheny Elks Lodge again undertook a complete remodeling of the social quarters. On December 23, 1961, our beautiful Allegheny Room was dedicated, signaling the start of the anniversary celebration. In the meantime, each succeeding administration of the Allegheny Elks Lodge has done only their best to continue the improvements, and even as you read this there are changes being planned that will certainly improve the physical aspects of our property. CapCam2023 |
Phase 1 Completed
The Lodge has completed a comprehensive study of its building to assess its structural and compliance needs and the possibilities for the future. Phase 1 is the gateway to returning the Lodge to its former grandeur and functionality. The cost of the study was $50,000. Half of the money was raised by members while a matching $25,000 grant came from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
What's Next?
The next step is to invite event planner, promoters and audio /video providers to an open house on March 30 2023 from 7-9pm to seek their input, ideas and recommendations. In other words, a "wish list" of what they would like to see in both our rooftop facilities, not used since the 1920's, and the third floor theater/music hall.