Build it and they will come

After the fire that destroyed the American Legion Post #129 was deemed arson, the post is ready to rebuild and say goodbye to the old building with a celebration

PARADISE – The American Legion Post #129 is ready to turn over a new leaf after losing almost everything.

Members are ready to take down the existing structure and replace it with a new building.

A fire consumed the building last year in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 31. The building was gutted by the fire and was deemed a complete loss.

Now the time to rebuild and celebrate has arrived.

According to Legion member Dave Koepplin the tear down of the building will begin on Monday, February 10.

The day will involve site preparation and the demolition of the building. Koepplin said the process is estimated to last approximately a day and a half.

The asbestos in the building has been part of the reason for the delay of demolition. Koepplin explained the building was a Hazmat site and was contaminated when the fire was extinguished.

“Somewhere in the life of that building someone painted the ceiling with silver paint and when the building got hot it turned into a powder. When they doused that building down, it fell into the building and contaminated it,” Koepplin explained.

The Legion paid for some local people to get certified to work on the project – a process that took longer than expected.

The plan is to start rebuilding as soon as they are able. Koepplin explained the garage next to the building will be removed and the new building will take on an L shape.

“We’re not sure whether the bar part is going to be back in the alley or up front. We are 50/50 right now,” Koepplin said.

Although Legion members are ready to have their building back, Koepplin stressed the process will not be rushed.

“We are not in a hurry to just throw up something. We want to put up a building that not only Paradise and Plains (are proud of) but everybody in Sanders County,” Koepplin said. “We’re going to do it right from the beginning.”

The plan is also to have a commercial kitchen so the Legion would be able to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The insurance money the Legion received will fund the new building as well as the teardown of the existing structure.

According to Deputy State Fire Marshall Pat Clinch, the cause was determined to be an arson fire. More information was not released due to the ongoing investigation.

When reached for comment, Sanders County Detective Martin Spring did not comment on the county’s findings because the case is still open.

The day of teardown will be full of work but something fun is also in the plan.

Across the street from the building there will be a “Say goodbye to the Legion party.”

Koepplin said hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided but those in attendance are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

“So many people I ran into in the community said I wish I could have said goodbye to the Legion. Now everyone can come and say goodbye,” Koepplin said.

Koepplin encourages any members with questions to call him at 210-1055.

“We just want to encourage all members to show up,” Koepplin said.