Twin City Elks building in Farrell is razed

FARRELL, Pa. -- What remains of the Twin City Elks building will be gone soon.
Demolition was slated to start at 7:30 this morning to knock down the remaining portion of the Staunton Street building damaged in a July 1 fire.
Al Torrance, attorney representing the club, said members are still working with their insurance carrier to determine if they can rebuild. "They want to rebuild," he said.
The oldest part of the structure had been in place since 1907, according to a marker on the building, and the Elks bought it sometime after forming in 1916, Torrance said.
The state police fire marshal has determined that the early morning blaze was started by a pot left on a burning stove in the kitchen. People inside the building got out safely when they saw the smoke and flames.
The club has 82 full-time members and 125 social members, Torrance said. He said it's unclear if the national Elks organization will assist the local group in rebuilding.
Torrance said they were able to salvage some records from a safe that was pulled from the rubble.
The building was home to a bar and banquet area as well as a gymnasium that was home to National Elks basketball championship teams.
Torrance said the demolition, which was ordered by the city, should take about a week.