PORTLAND, Ore. — In 2021, a fire threatened to destroy the historic Billy Webb Elks Lodge in Portland. The lodge in the Albina neighborhood has been an important part of Portland's African-American community for decades.
Deborah Roache has been coming to the Billy Webb Elks Lodge for years.
"I've been here about 20 years as a member. I came before I was a member — as my father was a member. And a number of other relatives and friends were members as well," said Roache.
The lodge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It's one of only a handful of African-American places recognized in Oregon.
"It's been here in the hands of the Elk since 1940s, originally built in the 1920s as a YWCA when Black people were allowed to attend any other YWCA's. So, this was especially built for the African-American community to utilize," said Roache.
Now, after a devastating fire in 2021, the building is finally being restored. The lodge was remodeled back in 2009. But now with the fire damage, it's like starting all over again.
"The major damage from the fire was in the ballroom, and it destroyed several rafters or trusses in the ceiling more than anticipated. So, now the work is extensive and more expensive," said Roache.
Gary Suttenberg a member of the lodge say it's been a work in progress.
"It's been a long process to get funding, insurance and construction going — now it's moving at a really solid pace," said Suttenberg.
One of the biggest challenges has been the weather.
"The problem is, we live in Oregon and it rains all the time. So in order for us to bring in new trusses, as you can see there's a massive tower behind, that encapsulates the entire roof behind the structure," said Project Engineer Nico Liesy. "That's only to provide a temp weather protection to the building."
Many say not even the weather will stop the project that the community hopes to see back open.
"Everyone that's walked up to us, has just had great things to say — ecstatic to see that we're working on the project. So it does make us feel good," said Liesy.
Roache says it's been a journey, but they can't wait to welcome back the community.
"I am so excited. This has been like home to me —like a second home," said Roache. "I'm so excited to see that it's going to be rebuilt.''
To donate to help restore the Billy Webb Elks Lodge, check out the GoFundMe page.
With the funds, the lodge hopes to begin phase two of the project so it can reopen by the end of the year.