German American Society moving into iconic Friendship Masonic ...

The landmark Friendship Masonic Lodge in Northeast Portland's Rose City Park neighborhood is getting a new tenant -- the German American Society.

The 200-member nonprofit, which has begun a renovation, plans to use the building as a headquarters and social club, much in the way the Masons did, said Hella Betts, chairwoman of the group's building committee.

The Masons were headquartered at the facility from 1921 until November 2011, when the group moved headquarters to Kenton. Now the German American Society is refurbishing the historic building at the intersection of Sandy Boulevard, Alameda Street and 57th Avenue.

Sister organizations and clubs also plan to use the site, including the Germania Choir, Skat Players and Ladies Aid, and a Saturday immersion language program. The nonprofit's remodel plans include new administrative offices as well as spaces for board meetings, concerts, movies, cooking classes, crafts, dances and the annual ?Heritage Ball," according to zoning documents.

The facility may also be rented to outside groups such as dance and theater groups, wedding parties, dancing groups and cultural groups, as the Masons did.

"We hope to be a good neighbor and to be able to offer some things to the neighborhood," Betts said.

The German American Society two years ago had its headquarters at Southeast Division Street and 79th Avenue condemned. The city's actions proved to be a "blessing in disguise," Betts said.

The Masonic Lodge comprises three buildings, she said, and the oldest dates to 1914. The dining room was added in 1933 and the red brick section in the 1950s. Bringing the buildings up to city code and handicapped requirements will be a big part of the $2 million makeover.

The remodel will add an elevator and new stairs, a new entry, new windows and skylights, bathroom upgrades, new hardwood floors throughout and new paint. It will also include furnishings, air conditioning and other features.

The German American Society hopes to be settled in its new home by February.

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-- Larry Bingham

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/10/german_society_moving_into_ico.html

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