Murphysboro Elks Lodge
Also known as: Murphysboro Event Center
Why it's listed
Built in 1916-1917 at 1329 Walnut Street, this two-story brick building with a full elevated basement was constructed as the home of Murphysboro's Elks Lodge No. 572. The lodge was chartered in 1900 and began discussing a permanent clubhouse in 1909, after renting space above a drug store. Rudolph Zerse Gill is named as the architect. The three-bay front facade shows Classical Revival details: red and black brick in running bond and basketweave patterns, a limestone beltcourse, stained glass windows, a second-floor porch with paired limestone columns, and terra cotta ornament including an elk head in profile above the entrance. Inside, parlors, a central hall, and event rooms continue the classical motifs, and the basement served as a community social space in the 1940s and 1950s. Membership peaked at 573 in 1921. The building sits in what was the heart of the city's retail district, and it remains in excellent condition, now serving as an event center.
Significance in brief: The building was home to the Murphysboro Elks Lodge, a social and charitable fraternal organization chartered in 1900, and it served as a popular community social center in the 1940s and 1950s. It stands on Walnut Street, the city's main retail and business corridor. Its Classical Revival design, with terra cotta ornament and stained glass, is also cited as significant, and the form names Rudolph Zerse Gill as the architect.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 05001255, listed November 15, 2005. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 1329 Walnut St., Murphysboro |
|---|---|
| County | Jackson County |
| Listed | November 15, 2005 |
| Reference number | 05001255 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Rudolph Zerse Gill (architect) |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as being in excellent condition; now used for recreation and culture as the Murphysboro Event Center. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 37.76612, -89.33748 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 05001255.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6939051
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.