(Atlantic) – The American Legion Memorial Building – otherwise known as “The Armory” – here in Atlantic, has served as the home for National Guard soldiers, and in its later years, as a museum for military memorabilia, a military library, Atlantic History Center, Memorial Hall, and as a meeting and programs center. The nearly 100-year old building is owned by ARISE – The non-profit Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise. All those years of service have taken a toll on the building, despite remodeling and upgrades. ARISE has helped to pay for repairs and upgrades, including parking lot improvements, but the old girl is showing her age.

ARISE President Steve Livengood, says the unique roof is leaking, and in dire need of repair.

The roof used to be hot asphalt, with hot tar commonly used for repairs. At one point foam was installed over the asphalt, complicating matters.

A local company has agreed to take-on the task of replacing the roof, but it won’t come cheap.

It’s expected to cost around $65,000. Other work is required for maintenance of the building, as well. Livengood says various organizations are working to fundraiser for the repairs.

(If you want to help, make your check out to ARISE, and mail to ARISE. P.O. Box 1, Atlantic, 50022.)

Work on the project is expected to start soon. If you haven’t been to the Armory before, or want to see what’s new, you can take a virtual tour this Sunday, March 21st, beginning at 1 pm. Steve Livengood will lead the video tour beginning with history of the Building. Stay home, put your feet up, get comfortable and link to Zoom. Find the Zoom link on ariseAtlantic.org or Facebook: Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise. After Sunday, the tour program will be available to view on the web and/or Facebook pages.

The American Legion Memorial Building as well as the Rock Island Depot are owned by Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise (ARISE). It is a non-profit organization with a mission to serve the southwest Iowa community.