Milwuakee hotel plan for Masonic Center proceeds

A developer is proceeding with plans to convert downtown Milwaukee's Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center into a hotel, a project that would include a 14-story addition to the historic building.

Madison-based Ascendant Holdings Real Estate plans to buy the three-story Masonic Center, 790 N. Van Buren St., and convert it into the hotel's lobby, restaurant and meeting rooms, owner Eric Nordeen said Wednesday.
...
Scottish Rite wants to sell the building because the fraternal organization's dwindling membership can no longer afford to maintain it. Those ranks have dropped from 6,000 in 1985 to 700 today, of which just 100 are active members.

The building was constructed as a church in 1889 and became a Masonic facility in 1912, according to city historic preservation report. It was extensively remodeled in 1936 and includes an auditorium that is rented out for events.

continue at JS

Now it's just that Masonic Temple across the street we've got to worry about......... what?  Oh come on now, I'm just kidding!!!

Does Saint Francis Seminary grounds have Masonic insignia embossed on nearly all of the lampposts?

details at Cream City Catholic

Update:

This from yesterday's news in the UK.  Revealed: How gangs used the Freemasons to corrupt police

Green Bay Packers offer game-day support to charities

» The Midwest Shrine game, in which the Packers present a donation to the Shrine Tripoli Temple, which operates Shriners Hospitals for Children, during a preseason game. The team has donated more than $3 million.

» Bishop's Charities game, a donation is made to the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay during a preseason game. About $3.5 million has been donated.

» Coats for Kids. The Packers host a Salvation Army Coats for Kids collection prior to a regular-season game. About 2,775 coats have been donated in the past decade.

» Breast Cancer Awareness Month recognition. The team dons various pieces of pink equipment, and pink ribbons and towels are handed out to fans in recognition of the month.

» Concession stand efforts. Area nonprofit groups volunteer their time to staff concession stands for home games. Donations totaling more than $780,000 were given to 70 nonprofits during the 2010 season.

» Sargento Touchdowns for Charity. For nine years, the company has donated funds for touchdowns scored during home games, raising more than $675,000 for Wisconsin food charities.

more at GB Press Gazette 

Anybody else think it's funny the two largest charities are Catholics and Freemasons?