Prior Lake VFW Post 6208 unveiled its newly renovated building on none other than Veterans Day during a ribbon cutting ceremony with several community leaders in attendance.

Stanley & Wencl was hired as the general contractor and KSK-Designs was the architect for the project. The project cost approximately $1.1 million, which was covered by fundraisers, donations and a charitable loan from the Prior Lake branch of New Market Bank.

“I’m hoping what this does is bring awareness to our Gulf War, Afghan War, and Global War on Terror vets who are in that flux right now where they’re getting married, raising families, and they’re getting involved in the community,” said Dave Thompson, quartermaster for the Prior Lake VFW. “We hope they see this post as something that they can call their home-away-from-home and get involved in whatever way that is. Whether it’s becoming a member, getting involved in leadership or just supporting us by coming in and having a nice dinner and cocktail.”

Located in the heart of downtown, 16306 Main Ave. S.E., the VFW’s much-needed renovations have been a decade in the making and, thanks to the help of generous donors, community leaders and a charitable loan, that vision is complete.

“It’s very emotional because it’s been a long process,” Thompson said. “When you’re dealing with 300+ members everybody has a different idea and concept, so, it was like herding cats in a sense. We all had a general idea, but to narrow it down and build what we have today was a cooperation of many people.”

According to previous reporting, the original VFW building – which is more than 100 years old – was made as a wooden structure in the 1930s and was originally a movie theatre. It was later converted to the now Prior Lake VFW Post 6208 in the early 1960s. Over the years, the building has had several upgrades and new additions to the space.

Some of the new upgrades unveiled during the Saturday, Nov. 11, event include an ADA ramp in the front entrance to accommodate disabled veterans, new glass double doors, a new exit to the lower lounge, a brand new modern bar, new main floor, lighting, ceiling and stage and a new dining area.

“It’s absolutely fantastic. We’re super excited for the new bar, the openness, brightness, and the functionality of everything,” Thompson added. “I love the fact that the older vets have something to be really proud of, not only for ourselves and our community, but for what we get to pass on to the next generation of vets that come in. They have a brand new building that they get to adopt as their own and I’m super excited about that.”

During the ceremony, Mayor Kirt Briggs told the crowd that the renovation of the VFW was one of the most important projects the city has ever been involved in.

“I can share with you when the city undertook the project, which is essentially the artery, the primary blood supply of the community, many have waited for this,” Briggs said. “When I talk about the artery, the VFW is the heart of our downtown, not only for what it represents to our veterans who have served our country, but this is where we come and talk and laugh. Our heart has been restored.”

Sen. Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, resonated what Briggs said and added that the VFW holds a special spot in many people’s hearts – including his own since it’s where he and his wife held their wedding dance.

“This is where we celebrate new beginnings with weddings and this is where we come to say goodbye to old friends after their funeral. This is where we come to reunite,” he said. “Thank you to all the veterans and VFW members for being the heart of our city and for being there for each other in comfort and support where only those with shared experiences can truly understand.”