The Lodge of Townsend
Mission: It is The Lodge's mission to provide a comfortable
gathering place for all ages, for the benefit of our community.
Valley Masonic Lodge No. 21
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior
On December 5, 1875, Masons in Meagher County chartered Valley Lodge No. 21 (A.F. & A.M.) in Centerville, a farming community just north of present-day Townsend. The lodge moved to Townsend in 1884, shortly after the Northern Pacific Railroad platted the town.
From 1884 to 1947 the Masons met in rented spaces, first over a store and then in the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Hall. U.S. entry into World War II delayed their plans to construct their own building. Believing that it was more important to maintain "American Liberty" than to "consider our own comforts and pleasures," the lodge decided in January 1942 to invest the money it had saved for the building in defense bonds. After the war, Helena architect Herbert Jacobson designed the lodge in the Minimal Traditional style. More common to residences than public buildings, the style, which emphasized simplicity, grew out of the need for inexpensive but well-built homes. Although lacking the ornamentation seen on earlier Masonic temples, Jacobson's design did incorporate two quintessential Masonic elements: a cornerstone with the Masonic symbol and a second-story, windowless room where the Masons could perform rituals away from the public eye. Contractors, working with Masonic volunteers, completed the building for $30,000. They used up-to-date materials that exemplified postwar vernacular architecture, including asbestos shingles on the exterior and, on the interior, vertical knotty pine tongue-and-groove wainscoting and fiberboard (Homasote) and plywood paneling.
Dedicated in 1948, the temple served Lodge 21 until 2017.
Reinventing The Lodge of Townsend
Growing up in Germany, Albertina Homann fondly remembers a place in her hometown where teens, neighbors and alike could gather. After moving to Townsend to raise their three young boys, Tina saw the need for a community gathering space that would not only benefit her family but the entire community.
Fast forward to three years ago when the old Masonic Lodge in Townsend went up for sale. With her combined interest in creating a gathering space and restoring an old building, Tina began to investigate the potential for the building. She had previously renovated homes, but this was the first commercial-sized renovation project she had ever explored. Not quite sure where to start, she turned to the Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC). MBAC staff helped Tina define her vision for the space by identifying major needs in the community, such as childcare. MBAC also informed her about potential grants to help fund the renovation and connected her to organizations who could help such as the DEQ and Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund.
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Brownfields Program helped by conducting an environmental phase 1 assessment and estimating the cost of redeveloping the site up to code. The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund helped fund a feasibility study for the new space.Once they assessed the feasibility and scope of the project, Tina enlisted the help of High Plains Architects out of Billings. Being her first commercial property renovation, High Plains helped Tina understand historic tax credits, codes, and more. After learning that she would be able to write off 20-25 percent of all feasible costs (i.e. renovation costs, architecture costs, etc.) she felt motivated to expand the renovation. This included adding a wheelchair lift, completely renovating the kitchen, replacing the roof, and moving the boilers, making more space for a teen activity room.
Once they assessed the feasibility and scope of the project, Tina enlisted the help of High Plains Architects out of Billings. Being her first commercial property renovation, High Plains helped Tina understand historic tax credits, codes, and more. After learning that she would be able to write off 20-25 percent of all feasible costs (i.e. renovation costs, architecture costs, etc.) she felt motivated to expand the renovation. This included adding a wheelchair lift, completely renovating the kitchen, replacing the roof, and moving the boilers, making more space for a teen activity room.
By expanding the scope of the renovation, the building will be able to serve more people in the community. “The Lodge of Townsend” includes childcare, a preschool, an event space, and a teen gathering space. With an assembly hall that accommodates up to 100 people, a full kitchen, and multiple other spaces to use, this building can now be utilized for a variety of purposes. Victor Sample, MBAC Board President and Townsend resident, has been a huge supporter of the new space and recently organized a pancake fundraiser breakfast at The Lodge of Townsend.
Tina hopes that this new space improves the quality of living in Townsend by providing a positive space for all to gather.
Tina grew up in Germany, was a High School exchange student in Hermon, Maine for her Junior Year, studied Forestry at the University of Maine, transferred to the University of Montana, and eventually moved to Townsend in 2003. She has a passion for this community and is raising three teenage boys.