Historic renovation of Masonic Lodge

posted by GlassBead on February 16, 2010 at 7:40 am

Nestled in the quiet downtown of the historic town of Enfield North Carolina has sat a relic of a prior life. Unobtrusive to passers by for many years, the beautiful art deco Masonic Temple of Enfield, built in the early 20’s, will soon become the home of a cultural arts center.

A masterpiece of architectural significance and the tallest building in Enfield, the former Masonic Temple will be renamed “The Lodge at Roanoke Valley” and will be a multi media entertainment and dining establishment unrivaled in Eastern North Carolina.

The Lodge will utilize existing features of the building to introduce a new and exciting reuse that will feature theatre, dance, yoga and health programs, film retrospectives, film and video soundstage facilities, studio space for artists and dancers, a museum dedicated to the history of the long lived Masonic Temple and its leaders, lecture hall, and dinner theater. It will be a prominent addition to the live music scene that is burgeoning in the region.

The new owner, Andrew B.H. Wirtz, foresees many possibilities for The Lodge. “This wonderful building can become a focus for many activities within Enfield that will serve the larger community between Roanoke Rapids and Rocky Mount and beyond.” He envisions an educational component that will draw artists from afar to teach workshops to children and adults. Drawing from his experience as President of the Board of Trustees for the non-profit Educational Arts Team in New Jersey, Wirtz hails art as “a way of reaching children in ways that enhance their understanding of core subject matter and increasing educational outcomes.” The Lodge aims to offer, through collaboration with the school districts, community-based organizations and foundation and corporate sponsors, a menu of in-school and after-school workshop programs for children and families. Adults and Seniors will benefit from the variety of activities that The Lodge will offer from archival research to film noir series, there’s something that will bring out the creative talents and nurture life long learning. Andrew credits his wife, Myra Williamson Wirtz, a native of Louisiana and a successful artist and designer, with encouraging him to take on this massive historic rehabilitation project.

Calling all artists, entertainers, producers, directors, playwrights, educators, chefs, and restaurateurs. The Lodge at Roanoke Valley is looking for your talents and creative energies to transform this majestic structure into a world-class entertainment venture.