After being turned down time and time again for a permanent location of the Lorain Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the newly chartered aerie finally may have found a location on Broadway.
Negotiations between the building owner and Dennis Flores began Dec. 7 and he said they will resume Dec. 10.
Flores said he feels the proposed lease agreement appears “pretty favorable.”
The location will ne announced when the agreement is finalized.
The building comes fully equipped with a kitchen and bar and only will require minor renovations to be complete and ready for the club’s grand opening.
“We have our claws in the river; we just haven’t caught a big fish yet,” Flores said. “But, when we do, we’re going to fly like an eagle.”
Since 2020, Flores has searched for a location for the club before it was even established.
Looking back, Flores said he believes he may have “put the cart before the horse” as it’s been an ongoing frustration not being able to find a suitable location.
“I want to pull the hair out of my head and scream,” he said.
The club needs a physical address, not only to host events, but to be eligible to apply for grants and other functions the club doesn’t yet have access to, Flores said.
The club’s building committee has met with property owners, realtors and have toured the following properties: 301 Broadway; 383 Broadway; 538 Broadway; 544 Broadway; 301 Lakeside Ave.; 5100 W. Erie Ave. as well a building located at the intersection of Fourth Street and Washington Avenue in addition to other buildings, he said.
“I’m confident in the leadership of this Aerie and Auxiliary, and in our officers and members, we have a good pool of talent,” Flores said. “This group is going to find a place, a place to call home.”
Additionally, the club obtained 10 bingo machines that are expected to bring in between $115,000 and $150,000 monthly once they’re in operation, he said.
“We want a home,” Flores said. “I’m confident we’re going to find a building.
“And, I can’t wait to get there.”
In the meantime, the Amherst and Wellington Eagles have offered their facilities for the Lorain group to host fundraisers or other events, Flores added.
Flores, a former Lorain City Councilman, has worked to bring the Lorain Eagles back to the city for three years after it shut its doors 40 years ago for lack of participation.
The club received its official charter designation in October and currently includes about 200 members, Flores said.
“There’s still a lot of good people in Lorain, and I want to thank those who have helped get us this far,” he said.
The Lorain Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles will host fundraising events to benefit charities and foundations, in line with the the organization’s motto of “people helping people,” Flores said.
