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American Fraternal Union/Ely Community Resource
E. Chapman Properties, LLC
The American Fraternal Union (AFU) building was built in 1933 for a thriving insurance company headquartered in Ely, MN. It had been sitting vacant since the early 2000s when the AFU was bought out by another insurance company in St. Paul. In 2018, a local non-profit organization, Ely Community Resource, needed a new office space. They teamed up with Range Mental Health to share the space. The project was a full make-over including roof, windows, tuck pointing, mechanical systems, electrical and plumbing.
History
This stone building was built as the home office of the American Fraternal Union, whose name is still carved above the front door. Its fluted entry, stepped cornice lines and tall recessed windows make it one of the most distinctive buildings in downtown Ely.
Built for an Ely Institution
The American Fraternal Union offered life, accident and health insurance and was founded on July 18, 1898. Its handsome stone home office, shown here on a vintage postcard behind an iron fence, still carries the organization’s name carved above the door and a bronze plaque beside the windows.
A Full Make-Over
Inside, the old offices were opened up, the plaster and decorative ceiling details were repaired, new windows went into the original openings, and new mechanical units and skylights went on the roof. Tap any photo to see it larger.
Ready for Ely Community Resource
A bright open office with tall windows, original dark wood wainscoting and quartersawn oak doors, now shared by Ely Community Resource and Range Mental Health.
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