Support the King County Superior Court Appeal at our Go Fund Me!

https://gofund.me/97661d1fa

Announcements Update! February 7, 2026

Masonic Home Email Blast February 2026

Greetings Masonic Home Supporters,

Happy New Year! Wishing you an amazing 2026!

Happy Superbowl Weekend as well, Go Hawks!

We are in a local Superbowl as well, appealing our case to King County Superior Court in support of the Masonic Home!

If you'd like to support the King County Superior Court Appeal, you can do so at our Go Fund Me here:

https://gofund.me/97661d1fa

There have been a lot of twists and turns, here is the latest:

In November, we wrapped up our Hearing Examination at the City of Des Moines, appealing the Cities' decision to issue a demolition permit for the Masonic Home. In December, the Hearing Examiner made a decision in favor of the City of Des Moines and upheld their issuance of the demolition permit.

We, the Citizens for the Protection of Des Moines' Historic Resources, had to decide whether to appeal to King County Court or not. We were not planning on it, as our budget was spent, and there was a $32,000 outstanding balance with our attorneys, even having raised $41,000 already.   

We decided ultimately to represent ourselves, without attorneys, for a King County appeal, as that would be more budget friendly, possibly around $5000 we estimated.

However, having filed the appeal in King County, and getting the ball rolling, we found out that only individuals can represent themselves, not groups. So the other side filed to dismiss our case unless we found attorney representation. We negotiated with our attorneys, and with help from a last minute large donation from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, we were able to bring our balance whole, and secure representation in our King County appeal.

Our case is scheduled for June 2026, and we have already begun the preliminary hearings.

This week is critical though, as there are two things we need to take care of. We need to transfer the record of the City of Des Moines Hearing Examination to King County Court. This will cost $1300. We have the budget for that, thanks to everyone who’s contributed to our new Go Fund Me, specifically for the King County appeal. We’ve currently raised around $1500 so far.

We also may need to pay for a written transcript of the Hearing Examination. This could cost between $4000 - $5000. We argued in court earlier in the week, to forgo a written transcript. The judge will decide on this issue next week. If he decides we need to provide the written transcript, we will have to find a way to pay for one or our case may be dismissed. If the judge decides we can forgo the written transcript, all funds raised will still go toward the long-term payment of legal fees. However, the long-term legal fees can be paid down over time, without a hard deadline.

So, we are asking all supporters, if you are able, we would highly appreciate any amount you can contribute this week. As we have to be prepared to cover payment for a written transcript. Thank you for any amount you’re able to donate. Every dollar is helpful and goes a long way toward helping the Masonic Home.

If you’d like to contribute, Our Go Fund Me is here:

https://gofund.me/97661d1fa

Thank you again for all your support along the way and for standing up for the amazing Masonic Home of Des Moines and a world in which places like this exist!

Lloyd E. Lytle Jr.

President of Citizens for the Protection of Des Moines Historic Resources

www.preservelandmarkonthesound.com

Please sign and share our petition with any supporters you know or on social media with this link or use QR code at bottom of page:  http://tinyurl.com/preservelandmarkonthesound