GLENDALE : Panel OKs Architect’s Plans for Elks Lodge

A city design review board has approved--after a seventh hearing--a Burbank architect’s plan for the rebuilding of the Glendale Elks Lodge, destroyed in an arson blaze in January, 1986.

“We were disappointed while the process was going on, but we’re delighted that it’s over,” said P. Dennis Keenan, an attorney for the Elks Lodge.

Architect Joe Jordan had appeared before various design review boards between December, 1992, and July, 1993. During Thursday’s seventh hearing, four of the five board members approved the project plans. Member Judy Palmer abstained, Keenan said.

The finalized plan calls for a rectangular, 9,236-square-foot one-story structure on the rear portion of the lot at 120 E. Colorado St. It would include an assembly area, meeting room, recreation space, offices and kitchen.

City officials say the key difference between the final and original plans involve the roof, front entrance and exterior materials. Jordan initially submitted a proposal for a sloped canopy at the building’s front entrance that review board members felt did not match the design for a flat roof, said Rodney Khan, an associate planner for the city.

Khan said the approved design now includes a flat canopy and a flat roof with walls covering air-conditioning units and other outside mechanical equipment. It also features four 12-foot high, 12-square-inch-wide columns and marble covering along the building’s outside walls.

Elks officials are awaiting approval from the city’s building, fire and engineering departments to obtain a building permit. Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin in September, and construction could be completed by next July or August, Keenan said.