Document text
Refinancing saves Moose Lodge Organization can stay in Ross Lane building By JIM DAVIS The Moose still have a place to hang their antlers in Medford. The Loyal Order of the Moose refinanced its mortgage Friday and will now keep its lodge at 226 N. Ross Lane just west of the city, said Neal Renfro, the lodge governor. "Let them know we're here to stay," Renfro said, "and we've got smiles on our faces." The Medford Lodge No. 178 is the largest lodge in Oregon and is the only Moose lodge in Medford, Renfro said. The 15,000-square-foot lodge and 7.5-acre property went up for sale last year after the group was having trouble meeting the high cost of its mortgage, which cost $1.5 million when it was built in 1994. Renfro said there were several rumors about who was going to buy the property and what was going to become of the lodge and its members. But he said that ended Friday when they struck a new deal on the mortgage. Renfro said the bylaws of the organization restrict him from talking about the financial dealings. In the future, the service club will look at annexing its property into the city of Medford, Renfro said. He also said that the order will consider selling a 3-acre corner of the property as soon as that happens. Currently, the lodge serves 1,400 men and 1,000 women, who belong to the Loyal Women of the Moose. The Medford lodge was established in January 1937. Another lodge formed in Grants Pass more than three years ago and one in Shady Cove two years ago. The massive lodge on Ross Lane houses conference rooms, a hardwood dance floor, a full restaurant and kitchen, a bar and a stage. Outside are horseshoe pits and other recreational opportunities. He also said the service club will continue its charitable activities, such as raising $20,000 annually for Special Olympics in Oregon and helping with the national order's charitable activities. He said his lodge would also like to become a part of the Pear Blossom Festival next year and help with the Medford Jazz Jubilee. "We'd like to do some good stuff now that we're here to stay," Renfro said. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA