Press & News
Wauchula Elks Lodge to be Sold at Auction
Tuesday, February 09, 2010For Immediate Release
Wauchula Elks Lodge to be Sold at Auction
Wauchula, FL. (February 9, 2010) - Higgenbotham Auctioneers International (HAI) confirmed today that their firm would offer at auction a commercial building owned by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks(BPOE) on Friday, February 12th at 11:00am. The auction will be held onsite at the Wauchula Elks Lodge situated at 318 W. Main Street in historic downtown Wauchula, Florida.
On the auction block is a two-story 14,750± sq. ft. commercial building that formerly housed Wauchula’s Elk’s Lodge #1700. Building amenities include two large event rooms totaling over 6250± sq. ft., two kitchen areas and more than 1000± sq. ft. of office space.
Situated in the heart of Wauchula’s historic district. The building sits kitty-cornered from the Hardee County courthouse and has been a downtown icon since the late 1940’s. This prime commercial building is situated on 1± acre, offers extensive parking with 250’ frontage on Main Street and 175’ on 9th Avenue.
The Elk’s Lodge has played a major role in the community by contributing to “Local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Veterans and Scholarships,” stated Ray Bibs, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.
“We have also donated uniforms to the Hardee High School Band, provided Christmas gifts for the needy and have worked with our youth camp in Umatilla,” commented Tom Crider, Lodge #1700 Exalted Ruler.
According to local Lodge leaders a decline in active membership was one of the causes for the Lodges closure. When asked if attitudes about organizations like the BPOE have changed, Bibs responded, “I don't think so, however because of the economy where both adults have to work to meet their budgets, it leaves little time for these family members to be involved in fraternal organizations.”
The BPOE choose the auction method to sell the property several months ago because, “With the real estate market being the way it is the trustees felt it would be better to auction the building than attempt to try to sell the building by normal methods,” stated Bibs.
This is a public auction with a final preview scheduled for Friday morning at 10:00am.
“With its historic downtown location and proximity to the courthouse, this building is a unique opportunity to buy,” stated Angie Poole an Auction Manager for HAI. “There is great potential for renovation into business suites, legal offices or the buyer could build to suit in this premier location.”
Complete information and property bidder packets will be available for download at www.higgenbotham.com or call Angie Poole at 1-800-257-4161.
About Higgenbotham Auctioneers:
Founded in 1959, Higgenbotham Auctioneers International (HAI) utilizes the auction method of marketing to sell real estate throughout the United States and the world. Higgenbotham’s success is attributed to the company’s stellar track record in marketing unique properties and the firm enjoys continuing relationships with Fortune 500 clients such as Alcoa, Wal-Mart, and Albertson’s Supermarkets, as well as many publicly traded and closely held companies.