Page 33 - Demo

31entering a time capsule of sorts, we climbed a substantial wooden stairway to the second floor. Larry said these upper levels had been home to various small offices, as well as the Knights of the Pythias Lodge.Despite the dull, discolored walls, the dust, and the stale air, it was apparent that Larry Lux had a real fondness for the place. He appreciated the boulevard-wide hallways, tall ceilings, wood-and-glass-partitioned offices, even the small kitchen%u2014but especially the once majestic Lodge Ballroom. Of course, he also realized how the heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems needed to be brought up-to-date, and how the place needed elevators, modern restrooms, and insulation. In other words, before this marvelous space could really be used again, it would require the works. %u201cBut,%u201d Larry said hopefully, %u201cit might be possible some day.%u201d We guessed that he had dreamed about a glorious restoration more than once.However, even if it was fixed up, who would rent it, and for what purpose? It was sad to think it might just continue to languish, but what other choice was there? He wondered. We wondered. Then his cell phone rang for the third time, and he had to leave%u2014but we could stick around to finish our photography. %u201cJust be sure to lock the door,%u201d he said, %u201cI%u2019ll come back later to turn out the lights.%u201dAfter admiring, and shooting, John and I grew more and more mesmerized by the faded beauty around us. This building had once been a source of pride, a place of business, fraternity, and happy times. Now, it was a reminder of how one era%u2019s opulence is fleeting%u2014how an extravagant, massive, once busy building can become pass%u00e9. %u2014LBStair (K%u2013P Building), Shelbyville%u2014Shelby Co. (523-15) Office (K%u2013P Building), Shelbyville%u2014Shelby Co. (523-03)