“There was an argument for a new Morton building,” said Nick Gorden, second-term councilman. “It was one of the cheaper alternatives, but we wanted to explore saving the Memorial Building. It was built in 1920 in honor of those who served in World War I. The history is a compelling enough reason to consider renovation.”

In the end, preservation of history prevailed, and the council began plans to save the two-story, brick building.

In 1990, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it seemed a shame to topple a building that meant so much to the residents of Lake City. The major intent of the renovation is to allow residents to continue making memories in the building where their parents, their grandparents, and their great-grandparents had been doing so for more than a century.

“Once finished, we really want to market the building for wedding use,” said Gorden. “Wedding receptions are fun celebrations — and profitable, and the income will be used for maintenance and improvements.”

-Submitted photo
While the Lake City project has required infrastructure changes, such as a new HVAC system and updated wiring throughout, the building committee has enjoyed adding a "wow" factor. The etched glass railing replaces the area that used to be a balcony in the building. Paul Iverson, the city’s residential architectural artist, has taken the lead on the renovation.

Renovations include the entire building, the main components being the Grand Hall, Legion Hall, kitchen, and bathrooms, which are integral to future events.

With bids being let, the city’s residential architectural artist, Paul Iverson, was selected and the city has forged ahead with restoration of this historical structure. Phase one was finished in 2021 and included the main entrance, the Grand Hall, kitchen, and bathroom restoration. Phase two included the remaining first- and second-floor windows, a museum of Lake City history, and improvements to the Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) rooms. Phase three will add an addition of two meeting rooms above the north end of the Grand Hall, as well as basement and exterior improvement.

“Paul has taken the lead on this project,” said Gorden, “and has been a great asset ever since. He’s custom-made so much of the work that couldn’t be saved, but had to be replicated. We’ve subcontracted work to a painter from Carroll who has also done wonderful work. Of course, the wiring and the HVAC system has all had to be replaced as well.”

A project of this magnitude has required a substantial budget, and Lake City has contributed $600,000 according to Gorden.

“There have been many fundraisers as well, bringing in nearly $350,000. We held a gala fundraiser in the Grand Hall and also brought in a band for New Year’s Eve for a dance, which brought in additional funds. We’ve also applied for and received grants. We are very blessed to have people excited about this project.”

The estimated total cost of the project is $1.2 to $1.3 million, and the completion date is dependent on how fundraising proceeds.

The renovations are also being completed with the future in mind as well as the youth.

“Part of the upstairs is going to be a museum,” said Gorden. “There will be a timeline on the old balcony wall that includes a snapshot of what’s occurred in the world, United States, Iowa, and in Lake City at the same time. We have a great group of people who have toured other museums to see what makes them successful; their feedback has been to include interactive video as well as QR codes for real-time access to information.

“For now,” Gorden continued, “it’s just satisfying to see the energy, skill set, and compassion of the people working on the project and those who support it through volunteering or monetary donation. If local people don’t make these things happen, it’s not going to happen. So far, the right people are stepping up to the plate and executing this project a day at a time.”