WATERLOO -- "Restore the Landmark -- preserve the legacy."

It was with this slogan that the local Elk's Club sought to restore its building to its original 1920's elegance. And thanks to numerous charity donations, the transformation was made possible.

Aimed at rejuvenating membership, the overhaul included everything from new furniture in the lounge to ballroom renovations and replacing the existing eating space with a fine dining restaurant. The restaurant is open to Elk's Club members and their guests.

"We wanted to restore the building to what it looked like when it was built in the 1920's," said Steve Kennedy, one of five trustees of the Waterloo Elk's Club. "During one of our meetings, someone remembered that 'The Great Gatsby' was written in the '20s, so that's why we named the new restaurant Gatsby's."

Kennedy himself played a major role in getting Gatsby's off the ground. As co-owner of the downtown restaurant CU, his expertise was called upon during renovations.

"Distinctive dining's a big leap, and it's been a lot of effort," he said. Gatsby's menu includes fresh seafood, prime cuts of beef, leg of lamb and chicken cordon bleu. "Nothing's frozen in a box, and people are really raving about it."

With 21 years in the restaurant industry, head chef Joshua Mullinix said his recipes come from picking up techniques from other chefs as well as knowing what his customers will like.

"I wanted to keep it simple and basic -- nothing too out of the ordinary," Mullinix said.

In addition to a new look and a new menu, the Elk's Club plans to refine its new dining space with local art.

"We're talking with Gary Kelley and Paco Rosic," said Kennedy. "They have very different visions about what can be done with this space, and we're excited to hear their ideas."

The Elk's Club opens its space to the public for special events, such as wedding receptions and holiday parties. The club also hosts events to provide social opportunities for members, though non-members are welcome if they are accompanied by a member. Kennedy said the club envisions many more events in the future now that the facilities have been revitalized. His hope is to welcome more young members to the club.

"Elk's is a very eloquent name in the Cedar Valley," he said. "Ten or 12 years ago, Elk's Club was the place to be seen during lunch. A lot of people who worked and did business downtown were a part of the Elk's Club and would walk over here for lunch."

Trustee Eric Locke said there are many misconceptions about what it means to be a member of the Elk's Club, especially regarding cost.

"The dues are only $92 dollars a year," he said.

The Elk's Club is a national fraternal organization with more than 2,100 lodges nationwide, with about 1,785 members in the local chapter, Locke said. Members are involved in numerous social and charitable activities.

The Elk's Club is located at 407 E. Park Ave. Gatsby's is open from 4:30-10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.