ASHLAND - Members of the Ashland American Legion will soon have a place to call home again.
A building is being constructed at Centre and Fifth streets that will house Legion Post 434 after its former building was destroyed by fire three years ago.
Post Commander Harry Hause said Wednesday that although members are hoping the building will be ready by Memorial Day, he is expecting an open house celebration to be planned around July 4.
"We miss the camaraderie and the big thing is we want a home to call our own. There is a VFW across the street and I am also the commander there and we were meeting together for some things which was nice," Hause said. "But what really got to me was when the World War II and Korea vets came to me and said they want a post home. That really inspired me to get things moving."
Hause said concrete work began in November 2010 and the wooden frame work was done in December. He said it took three years to get the building permits and things like the sprinkler system plans worked out.
The Legion lost its building on Jan. 29, 2008, to the fire that took the lives of Victor Klinger, 5, and Audrey Klinger, 3, in the neighboring building at 509 W. Centre St.
In addition to the Legion post and the Klingers' home, the fire also destroyed the Breakfast Nook restaurant and damaged a neighboring four-story apartment building, which displaced three residents, including owner James Klock. A business in the Klock building, Payne's Flower Shop, was also affected.
The properties were demolished in early 2009. The owner of the home where the Klingers lived, Sheila Dengler, donated the property to the Legion last year, allowing the Legion to expand its building plans.
Hause said members met monthly at his home to design the building and work out the building details. He said the new building will have a similar setup to the old building, but will be bigger. Also, the previous building had a seldom-used second floor, which is eliminated with the new design.
The new facility will have a bar area as well as a banquet hall that will hold about 100 people.
"We can rent it out for small weddings and other events," Hause said.
The building will cover most of the existing lot. The remainder of the property is owned by the revitalization group Ashland Downtown Inc. and will be made into a park with a gazebo, benches and a town clock.
Hause also said a small memorial dedicated to the Kilnger children will also have a place of honor near the building.
"It's going to be a nice spot when it's finished," Hause said.
The excavation work was done by Kenenitz Construction Co., with building construction done by Bann Construction Co.
Costs are estimated at about $160,000, with the ADI portion about $45,000.
Hause said 75 percent of the construction is being paid for by insurance money. ADI provided some funding for the facade as long as it fits in with the theme of other downtown buildings. Legionnaires are fundraising with the hope of generating the additional funds to complete the project. If not, a loan will have to be taken.
In addition, a brick sale is under way to add a "Walk of Honor" to the project. Anyone wishing to do so can buy a 4-by-8-inch brick with the option of two lines of inscription and an emblem or three lines with no emblem for $100, or an 8-by-8 brick with four lines of inscription with or without an emblem, for $200.
Hause said there are 151 members of Post 434 and more social members will be solicited when the building is complete.
"We have actually gained a few members since people are seeing the building going up," Hause said.
INFOBOX
To purchase a brick for the American Legion WALK OF HONOR
Contact Lori Wetzel, 3118 Main St., Locustdale, Pa. 17945
or call Lori at 875-2624.