Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Number 878
United States historic place / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Number 878 (also known as the Queensboro Elks Lodge or Elks Lodge 878) is a historic Elks lodge on Queens Boulevard in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens in New York City. The 3+1⁄2-story Italian Renaissance-style main building and two-story annex were both built in 1923–1924 and designed by the Ballinger Company. A three-story rear addition was added in 1930.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Number 878 | |
Location | 82-10, 82-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, New York |
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Coordinates | 40.7371°N 73.8811°W / 40.7371; -73.8811 |
Built | 1923–1924, 1930 |
Built by | McIntee Construction Co. |
Architect | The Ballinger Company; Sidney L. Strauss |
Architectural style | Italian Renaissance |
NRHP reference No. | 14000938[2] |
NYCL No. | 2086[1] |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | November 19, 2014 |
Designated NYCL | August 14, 2001 |
The building is made of granite, limestone, and brick. It features a granite-block terrace with granite balustrade, limestone arched entrance, and an elaborate cornice made of architectural terracotta. Lodge 878 was once was the largest such lodge in the Eastern United States, with 28 inn rooms, bowling alleys, game rooms, ladies' and gentlemen's lounges, and a 60-foot (18 m) bar. A statue of an elk is outside the Queens Boulevard entrance.
From its completion in 1924 until the late 20th century, Lodge 878 was extremely influential in Queens politics, with up to 6,600 members in the 1960s. The members were mostly white and male. In the late 20th century, Lodge 878 saw declining membership amid Queens' changing demographics, and the building was rented out for other events. The Elks sold its main building to New Life Fellowship Church in 2001, but it continues to meet in the annex as the Brooklyn Queensborough Elks Lodge. The building is a New York City Designated Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.