Recent renovations all a part of Eagles' plans

The facade of the Eagles Aerie on Washington Street changed in May this year. The recent facelift is simply one of many renovations the Hall has undergone in the history of the facility.

The Journal sat down to talk with Steve Meye, head of the trustee group that is responsible for the care, maintenance and operation of the local Eagles Aerie #2739. He is also chair of the Renovation Committee.

At one time, the building housing the Eagles was split: the north end was the home of the Eagles; the south end was a bar-Meye recollects the bar's name as "Little Brothers," being that it was owned by two brothers. At one point, the Eagles purchased the bar, cut an opening in the common wall and doubled the Eagles' space. They kept the bar itself, which is still functioning.

Renovations have been part of the Eagles' long tenure in Ritzville. The façade of the building had a set of upper story windows that was intact on the south side, but covered on the north side. In the earlier days, the space had storefront windows, which had been covered with vertical paneling and painted. The building cornice at one time extended a few feet above the roof level but the masonry was old and failing (falling bricks).

To address safety and visual concerns, the Eagles removed a portion from the wall top, repaired the masonry and covered the south side windows. The visible masonry portions of the building front, upper story wall of brick, and the side (alley) wall has recently been tuck-pointed, sealed, and will remain as is.

To obtain and meet City codes, Meye prepared color drawings of the planned facelift for the Planning Commission. The process, as is often the case in changes-particularly in a Historical District-took some time and effort on the part of the Eagles. They were able to obtain all necessary permits and approvals.

But one issue required an unexpected change. The Eagles wanted a single awning to run the length of the front of their facade, but the lettering of their name is considered a sign and subject to a limited size, which required a reduction of the size of the original awning design. Once approved and with the awning in place, awning lights were added and the façade renovation was complete. Stephen McFadden (Historical Preservation Commission) issued a "Certificate of Appropriateness presented to FOE 2739 for awning and signage in the Historical District".

At many points of conversation, Meye noted that many persons-who are unfamiliar with Eagles' activities-consider the place to be simply an alcohol destination like a bar. But he stressed that the Eagles' Aerie is not a bar, but a space that has multiple uses, with two examples being the community crab feed and the Christmas family celebration where children can get their photo taken with Santa.

Furthermore, the Aerie and Women's Auxiliary serve meals, monthly Friday night prime rib, and Sunday morning breakfasts. Alcohol service is limited to members, or guests of members (up to four visits annually only).

Meye stressed that bar sales provide funds for the Eagles' activities. The Aerie employs three individuals: two bartenders, and one kitchen person. All other activities are staffed by volunteers. No further planned renovations are in the process, but the Eagles' booth at the fairgrounds is a likely target for the future.

Meye explained the foundation principle of the Eagles: "People helping people." Varying renovation activities over the years have been motivated by turning the property into an attractive and functional place for the Eagles to provide their services. He emphasized the reason the recent renovation was planned: "By fixing up the building, it didn't look nearly so much like a bar and would emphasize the quality of both the exterior, interior and facilities available" for the Eagles to carry out their activities.

The Eagles are presently conducting a raffle to raise funds to support summer fun for kids. All profits earned or raised by the Aerie must be given away, so the Aerie and Women's Auxiliary supports special benefit & auction dinners, Little League, fire departments, Rodeo Association, a project to send senior students to Florida, a free dinner for veterans on November 11 and other causes.