What's that building work being done above Plank Town Brewing Company in Springfield?
Project: Façade improvements to the historic Independent Order of Odd Fellows Springfield Lodge #70 building.
Location: 346 Main St., Springfield.
Construction scaffoldings and crews have been dotting Main Street in Springfield for quite some time now as numerous projects are underway, transforming the streetscape in an effort to enhance the downtown experience and update historical buildings. Scaffolding platforms situated over the sidewalk outside Plank Town Brewing Company allow workers access to the outer shell of the building for improvements.
Just a block away from where the Rivett Building is being updated into a mixed-use development intended to house Oakshire Commons, Oakshire Brewing’s upcoming taproom, work spaces and residential units on the floor above, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) Springfield Lodge #70 building is seeing a refresh of its own.
The project was submitted in 2018 and was approved by the city on March 27, 2018, following a historic review of the site. With a number of the building’s façade elements in states of deterioration, the improvements completed help ensure that the historic building will remain a fixture of Main Street for years to come.
Project work mainly occurred around the roof-line area and included structural awning repair, trim repair, replacement and repair of soffit board, and general repairs and touch-ups to the exterior finish of the building.
The building was designed by architect John Hunzicker and was originally constructed in 1907 by contractor T.W. Stewart, according to Springfield City Landmark documentation. Fraternal organization I.O.O.F. established the Springfield Lodge #70 in 1881 with a focus on promoting personal and social development and helping community members in need.
The Odd Fellows occupy the second floor of the building while a number of businesses have taken residency on the first floor, which currently houses Plank Town Brewing Company. The two-story mural of novelist Ken Kesey installed in 2015 by Old City Artists, of Portland, remains present on the side of the building.
Should a final inspection planned for April 26 go according to plan, the project will wrap up for Main Street patrons to enjoy uncovered sidewalk access in front of the I.O.O.F. Springfield Lodge and refreshed building exterior elements.
Building Size: The lot occupies 0.18 acres across three different street addresses: 342 Main St., 346 Main St. and 126 4th St.
Sources: Lane County Property Records, Springfield City Planners, Springfield City Landmark documents.
Is there something under construction that you’d like to learn more about? Contact growth and development reporter Hannarose McGuinness at 541-844-9859 or hmcguinness@registerguard.com
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Springfield's Odd Fellows building gets façade improvements
