McGill Associates Celebrates Opening of Renovated American Legion Building in Blowing Rock

In the 1940s, soldiers returning home to Blowing Rock from World War II put their skills to use building the community’s first American Legion Hall. When the hall opened in the late 1940s it became the center of activity and entertainment for the area. However, over the next six decades, the historic structure fell into disrepair.

The Town of Blowing Rock acquired the building several years ago and enlisted McGill Associates to explore the possibilities of upgrading the facility. Part of that process involved preparing a PARTF (Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) application for funding to make much needed improvements to the building. Following funding approval, McGill Associates worked with Town staff and David Patrick Moses Architects to develop conceptual plans, final design, and to provide bidding and construction administration services. The improvements included complete upper level renovations, with a new floor plan, new covered rear deck, exterior façade improvements, and related site work.

The newly renovated American Legion Hall was reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 8. The building stands in honor of the veterans who originally constructed it more than 70 years ago.

In recent years, the Blowing Rock Historical Society has been working diligently to identify sites of historical importance in the Town. The renovation of the American Legion Hall is a great example of the collaborative effort of many organizations and firms dedicated to preserving an important part of the Town’s history.