One of the oldest building at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown is about to undergo renovations and updates, offering new spots to gather and dine, while maintaining its historical charm.
The Grand Lodge Hall, built in 1911, will once again become the hub of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s campus, providing residents the opportunity to eat, exercise, socialize, participate in events and activities and run errands all in one place. They can enjoy a drink in the tavern, sit with friends and family by a fire pit on the terrace, take part in a creative arts class and much more.
Through input from staff and residents, the plans have been finalized, and construction will begin in April 2017 with completion expected by April 2018.
New and Updated Dining Options
Rendering of the new tavern in Grand Lodge Hall.
The Restaurant at Grand Lodge Hall will expand into two dining venues: a restaurant serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, and a casual café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Residents can meet friends in the pre-dining area in front of the fireplace.
Customers and residents will choose which style of dining they prefer or request take out. The restaurant will have menu service, and the café will feature an action buffet with cook-to-order stations and à la carte menu. Employees will be able to pick up and take out food.
The décor will include deep green fabrics, upscale finishes and lighting to complement the wood accents on the ceilings and walls and the large stained glass window.
“The Restaurant at Grand Lodge Hall has always been a majestic location, and these renovations will enhance its historical features,” Greg Thomas, director of food services, said. “Overall, the changes will enable residents to choose from a variety of dining atmospheres, each with a unique menu. Employees will also have quick, easy options.”
While it is undergoing renovations, the Restaurant at Grand Lodge Hall will temporarily re-locate to the Brossman Ballroom tentatively beginning April 10.
A new tavern and open air dining area, overlooking the picturesque Formal Gardens, will expand dining options during the spring, summer and fall. It will feature a fire pit and live music. The space will be ideal for other activities, such as yoga and meditation during morning hours.
Main Street
The new terrace in Grand Lodge Hall.
Along the “Main Street” corridor, residents can gather in the lobby or brightly-lit solarium, easily pick up their mail, visit the Village Shoppe, browse the updated library or use the multimedia room for a lifelong learning event.
The lower level will include two recreation studios, a ceramics/glass fusion studio and an expanded boutique area for shoppers looking for a bargain. The salon will offer enhanced services for men and women.
Some things will remain unchanged, including storage and laundry areas for residents of the Village Green Area.
Future of the Freemasons Cultural Center
The Three Loaves Café, in the adjacent Freemasons Cultural Center, will close for renovations over the winter months, and re-open Monday through Saturday with breakfast and lunch options, including soup, salads and quick, made-to-order items and sandwiches, as well as coffee specialties.
In 2018, the rest of the Freemason Cultural Center will undergo renovations, including the Baird Wellness Center, art studio/gallery, museum displays, recreation areas, Brossman Ballroom, Deike Auditorium, Masonic Lodge, Lodge Dining Room (meeting space) and Visitors Center.
Just as the first residents of Masonic Village gathered in the Grand Lodge Hall in 1911 for entertainment and dining, residents today can enjoy each other’s company, savor a delicious meal and connect through events and programs amidst the backdrop of charming century-old architecture in this rejuvenated hub.
