(Radio Iowa) – The years-long effort to restore a historic building in downtown Webster City is nearing completion. The Elks Building, which opened in 1906, has been under renovation since 2019. Darcy Swon of LIFE W-C says they’re hoping to complete fundraising for the project soon.

“We’re about $500,000 from our finish line, which when you think of it being a $2.8 million project, that’s really not much,” Swon says. “We’re applying for some grants and are still accepting charitable donations.” A fundraiser was held over the weekend in Webster City. Work on the building’s main floor is nearing completion.

“Elevators should be done in 2025 spring and then the ballroom will be our next focus,” Swon says. “And we have a lot of work already done in the ballroom, so it shouldn’t take much longer.” The building’s first occupant will begin setting up shop next year. “We’ll be welcoming Wildcat Distilling Company. They will be the tenant for the main floor,” Swon says. “We are so excited because their business aligns very much with what LIFT is about — social connection, community betterment and many things, so it’s going to be a great partnership.”

The Wildcat Distilling Company makes whiskey from Iowa-grown corn and fruits and has operated a tasting room in Webster City less than half a mile from the Elks Building. Once the ballroom on the top floor of the Elks Building has been restored, it will host music concerts and be available for other gatherings.