After four years, and approximately $75,000 worth of material and labor, Lancaster's Disabled American Veterans' (DAV) Chapter 40 building renovation is almost finished.
Barry Hopkins, a member of the executive committee, said the building was a “shambles” when work started. It was roofless and had no water or other amenities.
Hopkins said the group owns six lots at the site, and he did not want to just leave the building to decay. He and Kenneth Gregg, the commander of the local chapter, decided to repair and use it, rather than letting it go to waste.
Once the work started, the DAV chapter received approximately $65,000 in donations to help with the project, which was completed by volunteers from the group. They installed a new electrical system and drywall, put in new carpet, and installed restrooms accessible to people with handicaps. There is no kitchen or bar, however.
There are 232 members in the chapter, but most of them do not live in the local area. The DAV purchased the building in the 1970s, made it available for rent for a time, and then tried to sell it, without success. It then decided to work on the building.
Hopkins wants to have a cookout, complete with live music, to celebrate the opening of the renovated space. Chapter members might add to the fun by creating colorful Banners to hang on the building to celebrate the opening.Get a Free Quote for Banners
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135 N. Columbus St.
Lancaster, OH 43130
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