Weymouth-Braintree Elks buy former Disabled American Veterans hall in Braintree
BRAINTREE − The Weymouth-Braintree Lodge of Elks has bought the former Disabled American Veterans hall on Liberty Street to serve as its new home.
The lodge closed on the property Feb. 3, according to its Facebook page.
The lodge has been looking for a new home since it sold its property on Washington Street in Weymouth last year for the development of 147 apartments for residents age 55 and up. The Washington Street building has already been torn down.
At its Tuesday meeting, the town's license board approved liquor and restaurant licenses for the lodge. The DAV did not renew the licenses a couple of years ago.
Steve Dozois, the board chairman of the Elks lodge, said members are creating a temporary members lounge on the building's second floor, which had served as a function hall. The first floor will be fully remodeled, a process that he expects will take about a year. He said the lodge expects to host functions once the renovations are done.
"We're excited about being in town," Dozois said. "It's a renewal for us."
The lodge will be open five days a week, and members plan to have entertainment on Saturday nights once the required license is obtained. Lodge officials said they hope to open next month.
'Swatting':4 South Shore districts hit with 'traumatic' hoax school shooter claims
The Braintree and Weymouth Elks clubs merged in 2015. The current membership is about 1,300.
The Braintree Elks bought the former Cochato Club on Elm Street in 1987. It was sold when the lodges merged, and has been redeveloped as the Riverwalk Condominiums. The Weymouth Lodge was organized in 1961, according to its website.
Town records show the Disabled American Veterans building was built in 1962 and includes 1.5 acres of land.
More:Senior living development proposed for Weymouth includes theater, pub, salon
Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer.
Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Former Braintree DAV hall will now house an Elks Lodge
