This year, the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMCO) led the $1 million dollar renovation of the Billy Webb Elks Lodge in Northeast Portland. NAMCO partnered with CJ Jackson Construction, Hoffman Construction, Portland Development Commission, Walsh Construction, Stacy Witbeck General Engineering and other local partners to give the once ailing building a look of modern newness, thus keeping the historical look of the outside of the building.

Originally this building was built in the 1900’s as the YWCA and today is one of the few remaining African American buildings currently owned by the Local lodge membership. This building has for years served as a place for events, weddings, birthday parties and now is a great place to host business meetings and many other events.

Director Paul Scarlett assisted in waiving some of the bureau’s development fees in July 2008 in order to preserve the historic Elks Lodge. The Director felt that this renovation was an undeniable benefit to the community and non-profit organization. “I fully support the mission of the Elks Lodge and I am happy that our bureau contributed to this project along with all of the contractors who donated their time and materials”, says Paul Scarlett.

The Open House Event for the Contractors was held June 23rd and it was a full house of the participating contractors, Elks Members and Community Members. On behalf of the Director, BDS Small Business Liaison Tiffani Penson accepted the acknowledge plaque, t-shirt and Moonstruck chocolates from the NAMCO Vice President Faye Burch. “As a person in the community that has attended many events at the place affectionately called the “old folks home”, I was truly impressed by the partnering of the many organizations and the beautiful work,” says Tiffani.

On behalf of the Bureau of Development Services, thank you NAMCO for giving us the opportunity to be a part of such a great project.