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Masons aim to revive building by 2015

Masons aim to revive building by 2015

John Kelleher

The Masonic Temple has been a mainstay of downtown Havre architecture since 1915.

While the building has become a little rough around the edges, the Masons are pledging that by the time the building celebrates its century anniversary, it will be in ship-shape and nearly full of occupants.

"We're going to fix it up. In four years, I want it to be 80 percent rented out," said Mike Conley, a third-generation Shriner who has taken over as the building's superintendent. He estimates that 35 percent of the building is rented at this point.

The building is the home to the Masons, the Shriners, the Order of Eastern Star and DeMolay.

Conley has been a Mason and a Shriner since 1999. While he is considerably younger than most Shriners, Conley is convinced that his organization, like the building, will be around for a long time.

"They do a lot of good for this community," he said.

The first floor of the building is in good condition, he said, and it is entirely rented out.

The fourth and fifth floors are currently reserved for the organizations which call the building home and consist of meeting rooms and the historic chapel.

Much of the second floor has office tenants, he said. But the third floor is virtually empty and especially in need of help.

The second and third floor overhauls will take some time and effort, he said, but it can be done.

He is so committed to making the repairs, he has moved into the lone apartment in the building.

An empty space on the third floor, where Conley's apartment is located, will be converted into a second apartment, he said. Two friends will move in once the remodel is completed.

"The fire sprinkler system needs an update," he said, adding that "we have the best elevator in town."

"The building is structurally sound," he said. "But there is a lot of work to do."

The Masonic Temple has been a mainstay of downtown Havre architecture since 1915.

While the building has become a little rough around the edges, the Masons are pledging that by the time the building celebrates its century anniversary, it will be in ship-shape and nearly full of occupants.

"We're going to fix it up. In four years, I want it to be 80 percent rented out," said Mike Conley, a third-generation Shriner who has taken over as the building's superintendent. He estimates that 35 percent of the building is rented at this point.

The building is the home to the Masons, the Shriners, the Order of Eastern Star and DeMolay.

Conley has been a Mason and a Shriner since 1999. While he is considerably younger than most Shriners, Conley is convinced that his organization, like the building, will be around for a long time.

"They do a lot of good for this community," he said.

The first floor of the building is in good condition, he said, and it is entirely rented out.

The fourth and fifth floors are currently reserved for the organizations which call the building home and consist of meeting rooms and the historic chapel.

Much of the second floor has office tenants, he said. But the third floor is virtually empty and especially in need of help.

The second and third floor overhauls will take some time and effort, he said, but it can be done.

He is so committed to making the repairs, he has moved into the lone apartment in the building.

An empty space on the third floor, where Conley's apartment is located, will be converted into a second apartment, he said. Two friends will move in once the remodel is completed.

"The fire sprinkler system needs an update," he said, adding that "we have the best elevator in town."

"The building is structurally sound," he said. "But there is a lot of work to do."

 

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