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VFW AND LEGION PLAN TO BUILD JOINT POST IN
WEST VIRGINIA -- The groups have been in the
planning stages of the project for three years.
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http://www.dailymail.com/
story/News/2007060630/VFW-Ame
rican-Legion-post-plan-5-m
illion-joint-headquarters/
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VFW, American Legion post plan $5 million joint
headquarters
by Elaine McMillion
Daily Mail staff
Two veterans organizations are working together toward a joint
headquarters building on the Kanawha River.
The two groups are Veterans of Foreign Wars West Virginia Post 3466 and
the South Charleston American Legion Post 94.
The building they're planning will replace the old home of the VFW on
the corner of 11th Avenue and F Street in South Charleston. The home is
located beside the state environmental health laboratory on the Kanawha
River.
"We're excited about cleaning up that little corner of South
Charleston," said Bob Anderson, executive director of the South
Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The project is expected to cost $5 million. The groups anticipate the
effort will take two or three years.
Right now, the two groups have $150,000 saved at Chase Bank in South
Charleston. They have applied for federal grant money.
Bob Arbogast, supreme commander of American Legion Post 94, estimates
the building will be 300 feet long and 75 feet wide with three to four
floors.
Arbogast said the groups have been in the planning stages of the project
for three years.
"It will be a place for all West Virginia Veterans to bring their
families and enjoy," Arbogast said.
Offices for both groups would be in the building. Arbogast said the
lodge also would serve as a community building.
The plans involve a multipurpose room available for the public to rent
for private parties. Anderson said the location would be beneficial to
accommodate the many requests the city receives for banquets or
receptions.
Plans also include a waterfront cafe, boating dock and fishing pier.
Arbogast says planners are even considering a day care.
Anderson says the site already has a dock. He hopes the city will agree
to develop the area on the riverbank into a city park.
"We've been wanting a riverfront park for 35 years," Anderson said.
"We're glad those organizations went in together. I think it is going to
be great for the community."
South Charleston Mayor Richie Robb has been a member of the American
Legion for more than 30 years. He says the plans are beautiful, but he
is concerned about the current lack of funding. He said the
organizations probably need additional tenants in the building to
succeed.
"The concept is wonderful, and I think the site they have is a wonderful
site. But I'm concerned whether they can obtain the financing," Robb
said. "I'm in support of it, not only to house the legion but for
community activities."
The current building was built 75 years ago and served as the
Lockmaster's home before the war, Arbogast said. The building is owned
by the federal government but has been loaned to the Veterans groups for
their uses. Arbogast said the VFW has met in the building since World
War II.
Mayor Robb said the house is a unique structure. He said there should be
some effort to preserve the old building.
"My perspective is the Legion and VFW need to keep a open mind,
especially with some financial and sharing aspects," Robb said.
The 120 American Legion members in South Charleston have been meeting at
Darlington Methodist Church on Seventh Avenue for the past 15 years.
Before moving, the Legion had a small house on 7th Avenue just off of
Mound business district, Robb said.
Arbogast hopes to break ground on the new building before the end of the
summer.
People who want to make a donation to the lodge effort should contact
Chase Bank in South Charleston and make checks payable to VFW Post 3466
and American Legion Post 94. Contact Bob Arbogast at 768-6002 for more
information.
Contact writer Elaine McMillion at
elainemcmillion@dailymail.com or 348-4872.
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Larry Scott --
