A major remodel is underway at VFW Post 1782.
When it’s done, patrons and members will find an ADA-compliant entryway and restrooms, an expanded menu thanks to a larger, more efficient kitchen, and comfy seating for diners waiting for a patio table.
The redesign emphasizes three goals: improving flow, accessibility and acoustics.
Sound mitigation is an important part of the project, noted Post Commander Bob Krominga. That piece of the project, which involves special felt ceiling tiles, is being facilitated thanks to a generous donation from a North Oaks couple.
The late Lorraine Levandowski, a VFW auxiliary member, enjoyed coming to the post for lunch with her husband Richard. She had a pet peeve, though, about the noise, and had difficulty hearing conversations.
It was her wish that the project include an acoustics component for a better dining experience.
“Lorraine wanted to make a difference,” said Deb Courts-Brown, auxiliary president and member of the design team. “Their generosity helped make this remodel happen. We can do more things now than were originally planned.”
Those things, as mentioned, include an “enhanced” kitchen with more fryers and griddle space, and new HVAC. Although he didn’t want to get into specifics, Krominga hinted at potentially adding a Sunday breakfast and new menu items.
Although the kitchen will be closed at some point, patrons won’t go hungry during the remodel. “We will supplement with pizza and hot dogs, and maybe sandwiches,” Krominga said.
Even before the Levandowski donation (a dollar amount of which the VFW prefers not to disclose), plans included “long overdue” upgrades to restrooms that will meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design standards. ADA requires a public building be physically accessible to anyone with disabilities. A unisex bathroom will be available for patrons during construction and public bathrooms are located across the street at Boatworks Commons.
The front entrance, too, will change to better accommodate wheelchairs. Instead of making a sharp turn once inside the vestibule, people will walk straight in. That does necessitate one unfortunate change: The bowling game is going away.
It’s important to add that the VFW will remain open “even if it looks closed,” Krominga said. “And pull-tabs will still be sold.”
Post leadership hopes the remodel will be completed by the end of April. That may be optimistic, admitted Krominga, who said work could “drift” into May.
To show the VFW’s appreciation for the Levandowski’s generosity, commemorative bricks inscribed with their name will be dedicated at Veterans Park this spring. Regrettably, Richard will never know about the bricks, said George Brown, who served as commander of the 400-plus member post when Lorraine’s posthumous gift was made.
Richard, a Navy reservist, died in December at age 87 before the order was placed. Lorraine preceded her husband, passing in 2022 at age 84. The two had quite the love story: they met as teens in Minneapolis and eventually eloped to Iowa to get married on New Year’s Day in 1955. They were married for 67 years and had three children and eight grandchildren.
