Publication Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Elks may sell their property
Elks may sell their property
(March 17, 2004) Members vote to accept bids
by Don Kazak
After much internal debate and acrimony, the Palo Alto Elks Lodge has put its 8.2-acre parcel on the market to possibly fund the construction of a smaller, more family-oriented headquarters.
About 130 lodge members voted unanimously Thursday night to put out a request for proposals from developers. "We'll accept any and all proposals for the best and highest use of our land," said Rod Norville, exalted ruler of the lodge.
The Elks' parcel is located at 4249 El Camino Real, just south of Hyatt Rickey's Hotel.
Norville said the Elks could sell or lease part or all of its property, which could provide enough money to rebuild their current lodge.
The current lodge, built in 1942, occupies 55,000 square feet. Much of that doesn't meet the eye, since the basement area is "gargantuan," Norville said.
A smaller lodge would fit the group better, he said. The lodge went from a high of 3,500 members when Norville joined in 1968 to 1,150 today. The building, which wasn't designed for family activities, is also expensive to maintain, he added.
A lodge of about 35,000 square feet would probably meet the group's needs, Norville said.
The Elks would like to retain its current amenities, just on a smaller scale. That includes a swimming pool, racquetball courts, a steam bath, exercise room and more. The lodge's meeting room also doubles as a ballroom.
The property is zoned for housing -- high-density multiple family units along El Camino Real, and medium-density multiple family units in the rear. The back of the property, facing the residential Wilke Way, is zoned for single-family homes, perhaps a half dozen.
The Elks members must approve any sale, since they own the lodge and land.
Selling or leasing part of the land would be a positive step for the lodge, which was suspended by its national organization for two months last year because of internal acrimony and financial difficulties.
The Elks regrouped and rebounded. Norville said the members who caused the discord are gone and the lodge has been steadily recruiting new members, about six to eight a month. The lodge has also cut expenses and is operating in the black again.
Norville said selling or leasing the front half of the property may be the most desirable option because it would enable the Elks to stay on the rear half and rebuild their lodge. <@$p
-- Don Kazak
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