(Historic photograph below.)
Haverhill Lodge of Elks No. 165, at the corner of Summer and Newcomb Streets, could become senior affordable assisted living apartments under a plan advanced by Bethany Communities of Haverhill.
Jered F. Stewart, president and chief executive officer of the local housing nonprofit, told WHAV he cannot yet share particulars because “nothing has been finalized.” However, a source close to the project said the intention is to raze the 1900’s era building and replace it with a modern supportive housing complex.
Christopher Brown, the real estate broker hired by the Elks to find a buyer, told WHAV while the property is under contract, unlike residential housing transactions, there is no firm closing date.
In the meantime, the club said on social media it is closing the lodge for good Friday, March 27, following a final, members only “Appreciation Night.” The club also put out a call for volunteers to help clean out the building this Saturday, March 14, Sunday, March 15 and Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as two weekends in April.
Dedicated in 1912, the lodge was created by renovating a residence already on the site and adding a three-story brick addition to the rear at a cost of $75,000, according to Haverhill Gazette article from the time. More than 500 Elks from a radius of 50 miles attended the lodge’s dedication Nov. 20, 1912. The club includes a function hall, a bar, smaller social rooms and offices.
When the club put the building on the market last year, club Exalted Ruler Maria Pappas told WHAV the 16,000 square-foot building had fallen into disrepair and was proving to be too expensive for the club of 350 to maintain. She said heating equipment, electrical system and plumbing all need upgrading. The initial asking price was $950,000.
Ward 1 City Councilor Ralph T. Basiliere said he was glad to hear of Bethany’s plans.
“I think that the Bethany purchase of the Elks is a promising development,” Basiliere told WHAV. “Bethany is a trusted institution that’ll provide a critical need.”
Likewise, Ward 3 Councilor Devan M. Ferreira praised Bethany’s intentions. “People need a place to age in place,” Ferreira noted. “Bethany has a good track record of providing this type of housing.”
Richard MacDonald, director of Haverhill’s inspectional services department, confirmed the property is zoned for housing, but said until he sees Bethany’s plans, he cannot comment on what special permits and other zoning waivers Bethany might need from the city. Nor could he comment on how many units would be permitted on the site.
“We’ve had several developers kicking the tires, so to speak, on what can be done with that property,” MacDonald said. “One of the main issues there is a lack of parking on the site.”
Bethany Communities already owns and manages over 400 units of independent and assisted living apartments for low-income seniors in Haverhill. Bethany complexes include Merrimack Corner, Merrivista, Mission Towers and Phoenix Row, all in downtown Haverhill. The agency also provides property management services to Four Mile Village in Boxford and Nichols Village in Groveland, both upscale senior independent living complexes.
Haverhill Elks Club itself was commissioned as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 165 on April 16, 1890 with 100 charter members. Its mission was “inculcating the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.” By 1959, the club boasted over 600 members. In July, Pappas told WHAV once the building is sold, the club will look for smaller quarters.
An undated historic photograph of the Haverhill Lodge of Elks No. 165 on the corner of Summer and Newcomb Streets. (Courtesy of the Trustees of the Haverhill Public Library, Special Collections Department.)