Lebanon Maennerchor Club

10/10/2026

Club Rebuild Update:

Things continue to move forward as we work through the many details involved in getting the club rebuilt.

We have received bids for second opinions on the electrical and HVAC work, along with a revised bid for the security system and technology wiring. The revised estimates, along with all subcontractor bids, were submitted to the insurance adjuster yesterday afternoon. The adjuster has responded that he will review everything and discuss it with us over the next couple of days.

On the asbestos front, Retro Environmental has submitted the required notice to the EPA regarding the planned abatement, which is currently scheduled for the week of October 19. Once the asbestos abatement is complete, the next step will be to thoroughly clean the entire club in preparation for the rebuilding process.

There has also been significant progress in clearing out the building. Approximately 95% of the items inside the club have now been removed, and the meeting room has been taken down to the studs.

We have also reached out to the insurance adjuster for an update on the engineer’s report and drawings, which are important pieces of the rebuilding process.

Once all estimates have been reviewed and approved, the Board plans to meet with the project manager within the next couple of weeks. This meeting will allow us to begin developing a more detailed rebuilding plan and establishing a tentative timeline for the work ahead.

Side Note: We were able to save the pictures of the original club founders. These need to be cleaned and most likely reframed. If anyone knows someone or a company that would be able to restore these, please message us.

We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you all for your continued patience, support, and encouragement!

08/15/2026

Club Rebuild Update
We know many of you have been asking about the rebuild, and we understand that it can be frustrating when you drive by and don’t see a lot of visible progress from the outside. Please know that there has been a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes to keep the process moving forward.

Over the past several weeks, we have been working with our current vendors—from HVAC and electrical to security and other services—to obtain estimates for both replacing what was damaged and making improvements and upgrades where appropriate. We have also been working to finalize the list of contents that were lost and submit that information to the insurance company.

Another important part of this process has been working through the financial side of the loss, including documenting our loss of income for the insurance claim. We are very happy to report that both the contents loss and the loss-of-income portions of our claim have now been finalized and approved by the insurance company. This is a significant step forward for the club.

Demolition and Preparation
In our last update, we mentioned that demolition would be necessary in both the main bar area and the meeting room. As you can see from the pictures, the main bar area is now down to the studs, with the ceiling framing exposed and the carpet and tile removed.

The meeting room is in essentially the same condition. Additional engineering review was also needed in that area because of some concerns that came up during the demolition process.

One thing that has surprised all of us is just how much demolition has been necessary. This is a large, older building, and once the walls and floors started being opened up, additional work was identified—including demo work in the downstairs bathrooms. While it may be difficult to see so much of our building taken apart, this work is necessary to address damaged materials and bring many areas of the building up to current code requirements.

Moving Toward the Rebuild
About two weeks ago, we held an on-site meeting with the restoration company and their subcontractors. We walked through our proposed layout and discussed what we would like to see when the club is rebuilt. We also identified several issues and considerations that will be taken into account as the plans move forward.

As of Thursday evening, the project manager was in the final stages of putting all of the subcontractors’ estimates together into one complete package. That package is expected to be submitted to the insurance company this week for approval.

Once that approval is received, we will have a much clearer picture of what the rebuild will include and, most importantly, the anticipated timeline for the project.

We know everyone is anxious to see the club back to normal, and we are too. While some of the progress may not be visible from the outside right now, there is a lot happening behind the scenes. We appreciate everyone's patience, understanding, and continued support as we work through this process and take the necessary steps to rebuild our club the right way for generations to follow.

05/23/2026

Club Update:

We continue to work closely with the restoration and insurance companies regarding the extensive damage to both the building and its contents. Unfortunately, nearly everything from the main bar area through the rear recreation/meeting room has been deemed a total loss.

The restoration company has been extremely helpful from the beginning, coordinating all aspects of the project, providing weekly updates, and guiding us through the entire rebuilding process.

Testing confirmed the presence of asbestos-containing materials in the building, including tiles beneath the carpeting in both the main bar area and meeting room, as well as pipe coverings in the basement. An asbestos abatement must be completed before any additional demolition work can begin.

Electrical work is currently underway to update the main panels and breakers in order to restore limited power to the building. Once Met-Ed completes its inspection and approval, the electrical subcontractor will begin work on the subpanels.

The demolition and reconstruction process will be extensive. All flooring, ceilings, and walls will need to be removed. Before rebuilding can begin, every area of the building must be thoroughly cleaned and sealed due to smoke damage.

Because of the building’s size, age, and the amount of work involved, we have been given an estimated timeline of 9 to 12 months for the full restoration. While this may seem lengthy, there is a substantial amount of work that must be completed properly and safely.

Many of you have asked how you can help by volunteering your time for cleaning or rebuilding efforts. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to assist and your continued support. At this time, however, these tasks will remain in the hands of the restoration professionals.

We will continue to provide monthly progress updates so that everyone receives accurate and up-to-date information.

04/27/2026

The General Meeting for April 27th has been
canceled

We will post when we have it rescheduled

04/21/2026

Our Pool team is playing for the championship!
This Thursday 7PM at The Willow House Lebanon

04/20/2026

Our statement released today to a few news outlets inquiring about this weekend and to all of those that support us.

April 20, 2026
Fire at Lebanon Maennerchor Club; No Injuries Reported

Lebanon, PA — A fire occurred at the Deutscher Harmonie Maennerchor (Lebanon Maennerchor Club), located at 301 E Mifflin Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 2026, at approximately 12:45 a.m. The fire caused significant damage to the inside of the
main building; however, we are grateful to report that no injuries have been reported.

The incident appears to have been accidental in nature and we are cooperating fully with local fire officials as they complete their review.

Founded in 1913, the Lebanon Maennerchor Club has long been a cornerstone of the Lebanon community. Originally established to support a German men’s choir, the organization proudly continues that tradition today with a co-ed choir that competes at the state level. Over the years, the club has also remained deeply committed to giving back,
providing monetary contributions and support to numerous local non-profit organizations.

This loss is deeply felt not only by our members, but by the many individuals and groups who have gathered, celebrated, and built lasting connections within these walls for generations.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders for their swift and professional
actions in bringing the situation under control, as well as to our staff, members, and the broader community for the outpouring of support during this difficult time.

At this time, we are working closely with our insurance provider to assess the damage and determine next steps. Our intention is to rebuild and reopen, though a timeline has not yet been established.

The Lebanon Maennerchor Club remains committed to its mission of community, culture, and charitable support, and we look forward to continuing that legacy in the future.

We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of our members,
patrons, and the Lebanon community as we begin the process of recovery. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

Board of Directors
Lebanon Maennerchor Club

04/19/2026

We will be closed until further notice.

An overnight fire in the main bar area caused substantial damage

04/11/2026