Menlo's Masonic Hall remodeled Menlo's Masonic Hall remodeled (September 29, 2004)

By Jane Knoerle
Almanac Staff Writer

"This is just like doing a show house, you try to do everything at once. Hopefully, everything will be completed by Tuesday (September 28)," says interior designer Allison Martin about the newly remodeled Royal Hodge Masonic Hall, scheduled for a grand opening and open house from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 3.

The event is hosted by the Three Great Lights Masonic Lodge No. 651. The public is welcome and complimentary hot dogs and soft drinks will be served.

The 47-year-old building at 651 Roble Ave. in Menlo Park no longer "looks like a warehouse," says Ms. Martin, who spearheaded the project.

Her architectural goal for the interior was to reproduce a turn-of-the-century ballroom.

"I wanted to create an atmosphere that could be elegant and accommodating to large gatherings. For instance, the hall will be used from time to time for events such as wedding receptions. This means open, airy space for large groups in general."

A new kitchen replaces cramped quarters. The kitchen now has two arched service window/counters, a commercial six-burner gas range with grill, restaurant-size refrigerator and freezer, and new cabinetry.

Three Great Lights Masonic Lodge holds a family dinner once a month in the building. Its Culinary Club, headed by Lambert Yim and Al Quebec, often prepares dinners for 100 people. The modern kitchen will accommodate caterers hired for special events.

The building's former plain exterior is also getting a makeover. Pilasters (columns) now decorate the front of the building, which is covered with a stucco trim to resemble old stonework. Awnings in Masonic blue provide color contrast.

Allison Martin spent a year-and-a-half working on the Masonic Hall project. The Menlo Park resident says she appreciates the fact that her office, Dan Martin & Co. at 1263 El Camino Real, is just four blocks from the Masonic Hall at 651 Roble Ave.

She says it's nice to have a project close to home, although she often works as far afield as Palm Springs, Los Angeles or Montana.

Ms. Martin selected Jeff Clark of Belmont as the project's architect. She estimates remodeling costs will run about $400,000.

The Menlo Park Masonic Lodge celebrated its 75th anniversary two years ago. Today Three Great Lights Lodge No. 651 has 340 members, after merging with the Peninsula Masonic Lodge of Belmont and the Great Lights Masonic Lodge of Sunnyvale in 1966. The Menlo Park site is named for the late Royal Hodge, who paid off the building's mortgage.

Art Borland, a past master of the lodge, is among the members who are pleased with the remodeling project. "A nicer building helps attract new members, and also helps rent the hall for wedding receptions and social events."

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