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.
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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!!!

Former Masonic Temple being converted to Marquette student housing

The former Kilbourn Masonic Temple, just west of downtown Milwaukee, is being converted into housing for Marquette University students.

The 14,800-square-foot building, 827 N. 11th St., will have rooms for 35 students once renovations are completed this summer, said Fouad Saab, the project's architect and construction manager.

The building will be a "high-quality rooming house," Saab said, and could be used by a fraternity. Part of the two-story building, the former temple's meeting room, is being renovated into a lounge area and dining hall, he said.

The building was sold in October to 11th Street MU LLC for $425,000, according to state real estate records. The new owner is an affiliate of Cedar Square Management LLC, operated by Sonny Bando, which manages residential rental units near Marquette.

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Image: Masonic imagery at St Francis de Sales Seminary.

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