Looking good, with more renovations to come

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting in the Brazil Elks Club 762 that was recently remodeled. The lodge is located at 19 South Sherfey Street in Brazil. The non-profit organization has been active in the community for 116 years with approximately 3,300 members during that time.

Frank Phillips photo

The Elks Lodge 762 on Sherfey Street in downtown Brazil recently went through a $70,000 renovation.

There is more work to be done but three months ago the club decided to do this part, said John Robinson, trustee.

The exterior of the building will receive an extensive makeover as well, if the City of Brazil gets the federal grant it is seeking. The Elks lodge has agreed to pay a portion of the cost to restore the exterior to look like the original building did when it was new.

That will “make the place pretty on the outside, too,” Robinson said.

The interior renovation will expand seating from 80 people to as many as 140, said Brandon McKinney, club secretary.

The work was done by Meneely Construction. Dennis Meneely, owner, said he had a budget but the club leadership was very flexible.

“I was very fortunate,” Meneely said. “They let me run by the seat of my pants and design as we were going along.”

The building is open for use by non-profit organizations. 100 Guys Who Give, 100 Women Who Care and Tri Kappa use the building.

“We have a special rate for non-profits,” McKinney said. “Basically free.”

Past Exalted Ruler Debra Nettles added, “There aren’t many banquet halls available in this area, especially ones that offer catering.”

On Friday, the Clay County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the renovation.