Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Historic Downtown Salem #71: Masonic Temple

101 High Street NE

IMG_3166 Masonic Temple in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
Masonic Temple on September 4, 2006

Designed by architect Ellis F. Lawrence, founder and first dean of the University of Oregon School of Architecture, the Masonic Temple was constructed in 1912. This Mediterranean/Moorish style building is constructed of reinforced concrete faced with brick and terra cotta detailing. Originally the building had stores on the ground floor, offices on the second through fifth floor, and a lodge room on the sixth floor. The building featured Oregon-made goods and materials wherever possible, and had all the modern conveniences of the time, including hot and cold running water, gas and electric lights, electric power and an elevator.

IMG_3164 Masonic Temple in Salem, Oregon on September 4, 2006
Masonic Temple on September 4, 2006

The ground floor went on to be occupied by the Benjamin Franklin Savings & Loan, and today the building is known as the Franklin Building. The brick facades on the west and north elevations, facing parking lots, have been covered with stucco, and stair/elevator towers have been added. The building was vacant for a number of years, but most of the building now contains offices, with a ballroom on the top floor. The Willamette Valley Bank occupies the ground floor.

Additional Links:
Masonic Building at Salem Online History
Masonic Building at the Salem Oregon Community Guide

Historical Photos:
Masonic Lodge Building (Oregon State Library)
Masonic Building, 1973 (Salem Public Library)

Continue to 72: Central Stage Terminal & Hotel

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