MTI is raising $11 Million to convert Masonic Lodge to a Veterans Business and Employment Center

DALLAS - Jan. 4, 2018 - PRLog -- Momentum Texas Incorporated (MTI) a veteran centric nonprofit based in Dallas has a mission of Growing entrepreneurs and building communities with a primary focus on empowering veterans who wish to start or grow a business by providing them free entrepreneurship training to increase their chances of success.  Momentum Texas Incorporated will focus in 2018 on raising $11 Million to acquire and renovate and restore the Masonic Lodge in Downtown Dallas and convert it into the DFW Veterans Business and Employment Center that will serve 1,700 DFW Veterans each year and be a National Model.

The Masonic Lodge, was vacated by the Masons in 2006.  In 2013 the lodge was acquired by Hunter and Stephanie Hunt with the intent of turning it into a Technology Center to increase the opportunities for High School youth to be employed in the Technology Fields.  Unfortunately, there was not a nonprofit with the "Juice" to carry out the project.  In 2017, the Hunts decided to sell the property to a for profit entity for reuse.  The Masonic Lodge is on the National Register of Historic places.  That designation restricts the way it can be renovated.

In the Summer of 2017 MTI staff toured the property and decided to pursue the acquisition and renovation of the historic Masonic Lodge.  MTI got help in the due diligence process by John Avila, Chairman of Thomas Byrne Construction Services who is a Ret. Army Major, Mr. Avila made available the services of a pro bono of a professional construction cost estimator to tour the building and provide a report on the cost of renovation.  MTI has developed a package (attached – that includes a picture of the lodge, sources and uses forecast, a renovation cost estimate, and the projected program for the facility when it is redeveloped as the DFW Veterans Business and Employment Center.

MTIs first step in securing funds for the project is to have the Architectural firm of Corgan Associates prepare 5 renderings including a picture of the Lodge, the overall reuse plan, a typical room – housing 10 X 10 office spaces, and 20 business modules, and the rendering of the second floor grand lodge room that will be used to carry out the 9^th Texas Veterans Business Summit in 2019.  Momentum Texas is currently seeking a venue to host a presentation on the project to 150 – 200 high net worth veteran centric individuals.  Jim Reid, President of Momentum Texas Incorporated will present the project outline and renderings to the group, with a goal of raising $50,000 for redevelopment expenses. The first step after raising the money would be to contract with Lawson Associates and engage them for several months as fundraising consultants.  Lawson Associates founded in New York City is now located in Uptown Dallas.  Lawson Associates has a track record of raising $3 billion over a 30 year period for various non profits.  More to come later.  To learn more about MTI go to: http://www.momentumtexas.org