BEDFORD – In the early morning of September 20, Bedford’s historic Elks Lodge faced a significant setback as a fire broke out. Designed by renowned Indianapolis architect Elmer Dunlap and dedicated in 1917, the lodge is a striking example of Renaissance Revival architecture. In 2015, following a decline in membership that led the fraternal organization to vacate the premises, it was designated as one of Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered Sites.
A Community Landmark
The Elks Lodge has long been a cornerstone of Bedford’s social and architectural heritage. Last fall, the 1930s Group and Allied Argenta acquired the lodge and the adjacent Krenke-Goff Building to revitalize both structures as part of a mixed-use development project. “Our initial, immediate goal was to ensure the Elks Lodge would not be demolished and to transfer it into safe hands,” said Adrian Scott Fine, a Bedford native and partner in the 1930s Group. Fine emphasized the importance of the lodge to the community’s history and the revitalization of the historic square business district.
Impact of the Fire
The fire primarily affected the lodge’s basement, though smoke and water damage were also on the upper floors. Unfortunately, many of the building’s historic windows were damaged or destroyed; however, the distinctive tile roof remains intact. Crews secured the building while property owners and city officials assessed the next steps. The Indiana State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
Greg Sekula, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Southern Regional Office, expressed cautious optimism about the building’s future. “I am confident that the developers of the property are committed to its rehabilitation,” he stated. “While this is indeed a setback, local firefighters appear to have saved the building from total loss.”
A Troubling Trend
This incident is not an isolated one. Just last September, Bedford’s historic 1926 Monon passenger station, also a previous entry on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list, was gutted by fire. The cause of that fire remains undetermined.
“I don’t believe this is the lodge’s final chapter,” Sekula added. “Given the catastrophic blows to Bedford’s landmark architecture recently, the anticipated rehabilitation of the Elks building will be an even sweeter preservation victory.”
Looking Ahead
While the fire at the Elks Lodge marks a challenging moment for Bedford’s preservation efforts, it also serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience and determination. The commitment of local developers, preservationists, and city officials remains strong as they work to restore this important piece of Bedford’s history.
