Joplin Elks Lodge Reopens - KOAM TV 7

A year and 8 months after the May 22nd, 2011 tornado and Joplin Elks Lodge 501 reopens it's doors.

The Lodge cost $2.7 million to rebuild. The lodge is a place that brings communities together and that was the case on Saturday as members from all across Missouri and the U.S. came to show their support, for the grand reopening.

"Square footage is similar it might be a little bit bigger but what we've done with this one is we've got the back facilities downstairs, the lounge upstairs, it's all A.D.A. approved at this point, where as the old one was not and it probably has a sturdier construction" says Leading Knight Jake Skouby.

Four people died inside the lodge during the tornado and a plaque inside hours those lives lost. The lodge has open since 1899 and currently has more than 600 members.