Building offers opportunity for right group

One of McCook's landmark structures -- the Elks Building at 905 East Seventh Street -- has been put up for bids.

During their Lodge session Tuesday night, the McCook Elks voted, 11-4, to accept bids for the Elks land, building and selected contents from now through Thursday, July 1.

The minimum bid considered will be $125,000.

The Elks took the action because they are facing severe financial challenges. Without a renter for the building since late in 2003, almost all the Lodge's assets have been consumed by maintenance and repairs, leaving little money for programs.

"It's time to move on," the Elks Exalted Ruler, John Zlomke, said. If there are no resources for programs, especially those benefiting youth, the Exalted Ruler said, there is little reason for the Lodge to exist.

However, while the building no longer serves the Elks' needs, members of the McCook Elks Board of Trustees believe the 30,000-square-foot structure in northeast McCook offers potential for business development and community use.

"At the minimum bid price of $125,000, the cost per square foot is only a little over $4 a square foot," said Elks Trustee Dan Stramel. "That's unbelievably low for business real estate today. An enterprising business or individual with a workable idea could turn the building into a valuable addition to our community."

Among the great needs in McCook and Southwest Nebraska is a meeting place that can accommodate groups ranging in size from a few people to crowds of more than 300. The Elks building is such a place, having hosted state and national meetings, as well as wedding receptions and anniversary dinners. The Elks property also includes the Broken Tee Par Three golf course, which is under lease to the Bill Davis family.

Because of the vast amount of space the building possesses, the facility also has possibilities for other uses, including conversion to a church, school or telemarketing center, or use as a restaurant or club.

Those interested in looking or bidding are encouraged to contact their McCook real estate agent. The listing agent is Randy Bauer of Gateway Realty of McCook Inc. Bids may be delivered to Bauer at the Gateway office, or mailed to him at 123 West B Street, McCook, NE 69001.

Following the July 1 bid deadline, the Elks Trustees will review proposals and submit the best bids to McCook Elks Lodge 1434 for review and approval. Final action on the selected proposal will be taken by the National Elks Trustees. As the Exalted Ruler says, it is time to move on. While the building is too big for the Elks in this new millennium, it could work well for another group or business.