Former Loveland Elks Lodge building to be converted into a live music venue

LOVELAND — The former Elks Lodge building at 103 East Fourth Street is set to become a live music venue after being sold to a local investor.

The buyer is Michael Pelphrey, who owns Berthoud-based general contractor Aslan Construction Inc. He bought the 25,500-square-foot, 100-year-old building last month for $1.85 million. Julius Tabert of CBRE Group Inc. represented Pelphrey in the sale.

“The acoustics there are just superb,” ​​Pelphry told BizWest. “Acoustics is a tricky thing, and the way the room is set up makes a big difference.”

Pelphrey also plans to add a basement restaurant and pub to the space.

Pelphrey, who is originally from Austin, Texas, told BizWest that he was inspired by the burgeoning music scene in his hometown and wants to strengthen Loveland’s music scene and support his arts community.

To that end, he said the facility will have a free practice room for local musicians, which will include equipment like drums and amplifiers so musicians don’t have to carry their own gear around.

“We’re going to be generous and provide stuff,” Pelphrey said. “Just be accommodating, and then of course it becomes a place where musicians want to hang out.”

Pelphrey said the space will also be available to school theater groups, glee clubs and other performing arts groups.

“Actually, we want to unveil local talent and encourage enthusiasm for the arts,” he said.

The project is in the development approval process with the city. Pelphrey said he hopes to have parts of the venue open by the end of the year, but allowing for delays could push that back to spring 2023.

“When you get music right, there’s a moment that just grabs you and speaks to you, and that brings you back,” Pelphrey said. “I really believe we have an opportunity to start a music industry in Loveland.”