Elks Lodge
Also known as: Eagles Lodge Building (F.O.E.)
Why it's listed
Built in 1909 at 138 West North Street in Lima, this lodge was designed by the architects Hulsken and McLaughlin for the Elks. The fraternal order Eagles bought it in 1921 and still used it when the building was surveyed. The rectangular, load-bearing brick building has a flat roof, a concrete foundation and a split-level arrangement. The first story is smooth dressed stone, and the upper story is tan brick with a projecting stringcourse and geometric-patterned pilasters between the second-floor windows. Open stone stairs and a broad porch with square urns lead to the North Street entrance. Side doors have wooden canopies, and a semicircular stained glass fan window is recessed above them. Inside are an open marble staircase and elaborate molding on the first floor. An addition in the same style, containing a ballroom and bowling alley, was built to the north and east. The building is valued as a fine early Prairie School design with Wrightian and Sullivanesque influences, and as the only such building known in Allen County.
Significance in brief: The inventory describes it as a fine example of early Prairie School design with Wrightian and Sullivanesque influences. It is called the only building of this type known in Allen County and the region's only distinct example of Prairie School architecture. A reviewer noted it could also be significant under Criterion A, but no attempt was made to qualify it under that criterion.
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 82001865, listed October 7, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 138 W. North St., Lima |
|---|---|
| County | Allen County |
| Listed | October 7, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82001865 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Hulsken and McLaughlin (architects) |
| Architectural style | Prairie School |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed in good condition inside and out; used by a fraternal order (Eagles), which purchased it in 1921. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.74309, -84.10636 (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 82001865.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5364395
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.