Our Mission
The historic Birdsview Grange was built in 1901. It was originally used as the gymnasium for the old Birdsview school house located next door. In addition to being used as a gymnasium, the building also functioned as a meeting hall for Birdsview Grange #957 from 1931-2006. In 2006, the Birdsview Grange disbanded and the building ownership reverted back to the Concrete School District.
In 2019, a group of history loving community members started working on a plan of action to acquire the building from the School District and focus their efforts on restoring the building back to it’s original glory.
Goal One
Persuade the Concrete School Board to deed the property to the Birdsview Fire Department/Grange Association. The School Board is contemplating selling the property, even though there is a strong likelihood that a buyer would tear the building down to build a private residence.
Take a short survey to show your support to save the building!
Goal Two
After the building is acquired from the School District, the first major repair is a new roof. The roof is over fifty years old and desperately needs to be replaced. It is leaking into the building and risking ruining the original hardwood floors.
In addition to a new roof, the property needs to be cleaned up and cleared of the blackberry bushes and overgrown brush. The interior of the building also needs to be cleaned up and repurposed to create a useful event space. The bathrooms (which still feature showers from when it functioned as a gym) need to be remodeled to eliminate the showers and create more bathroom stalls.
Goal Three
Once the building is finally restored and up to local codes, we can operate as a grange and community center again! The building will function as the meeting hall for Birdsview Grange #957, hold community classes, fundraisers and other charitable events, and will be available as a rental venue for weddings, birthday parties, and more.