The building served as an Elks lodge until 1969, when the group moved to a new building that was constructed downtown. The former lodge was then used by Colorado Western College until this educational establishment closed in 1972 for lack of funding. Montrose County Social Services used the building from 1976 to 2003. The building was bought in 2003 by the City of Montrose for $400,000. It underwent renovation to house city offices and was renamed the "Elks Civic Building".
