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1915-16: The Tacoma Elks build an opulent, grand new “temple,” together with the Spanish Steps, located between Broadway and Commerce streets, across from what then was City Hall and the Northern Pacific Railroad headquarters––a most prominent site known as the Point of Power. The Elks hold the grand opening of the new temple in February 1916.

1937 & 1940: Two additions are constructed on the west side of the original structure to house a new kitchen, handball courts and bowling alley.

1950s: Because of soaring membership, the Elks start looking and planning for a new location for a larger, more modern lodge. Having previously acquired the Allenmore Golf Course in the south end of the city, they decide to construct their new lodge on that property.

1965: The new lodge is completed near Allenmore Golf Course (present-day site of Walmart on Union). The Elks move out of their old 565 Broadway location into the new lodge. At this point, the Tacoma Elks chapter #174 is said to have had the largest membership of any Elks in the nation.

From <https://www.mcmenamins.com/elks-temple/discover/history>