Easily one of the most unusual buildings in Aurora, this 1926 structure designed by the firm of Zimmerman, Saxe & Zimmerman is one of the few examples of Mayan Revival design. The architects altered their original, more traditional design when they were inspired by the recently discovered Mayan temples in Central America. Use of the Mayan design motifs in friezes, similar to their use on Mayan temples, became a short-lived trend in architectural design. The irregular bricks are referred to as "clinker bricks", and succeed in giving the exterior a unique look. The local Elks chapter #705 formed in 1901. This building was their second home, dedicated on November 17, 1926. The local chapter had a membership of 700 when 77 South Stolp was built, and in the 1930s-1950s membership reached 1500, with a waiting list. The Elks operated a 40-room hotel in the building, which included bowling lanes in the basement.
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