(Atlantic, Iowa) – The American Legion Building in Atlantic – known to most as the Old National Guard Armory – sustained damage on December 15, 2022, due to a Derecho that blew out several windows over the Drill Floor and caused other damage. Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (A.R.I.S.E) President President Steve Livengood says irreplaceable artifacts are in danger of being damaged or destroyed.

The boarded-up windows, he says, won’t prevent damage from weather extremes.

The American Legion Building (Photo taken before the 12/15/22 Derecho damage)

The windows aren’t easy to get to. Livengood says they are on the second floor or above, and are they’re not accessible from the outside. Fortunately, Atlantic Glass will take on the project as soon as possible, at an estimated of about $80,000. The cost was estimated at around $60,000 previously, but the cost of materials has increased exponentially since then. Livengood that’s why it’s important to get the work done as soon as possible.

The historic building – which is nearly 100-years-old, has served as the center for many community events and presentations since it was retired as an Armory.

The building currently houses two museums.

It’s a meeting site for many groups and organizations. Steve Livengood says the ARISE Board is asking for your help in helping to defer the cost of the window replacement and related repairs. Insurance won’t cover all of the cost. You can donate to the cause by sending your check, payable to ARISE, to: ARISE, P.O. Box 1, Atlantic, Iowa, 50022.

Your donation is tax-exempt.