(American Legion Post 160 photo, from its 1941 dedication)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A multi-phase renovation project is bringing new life to West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160, as the World War II-era hall finds new ways to be relevant to the veterans of today, as well as its broader community.

Even if you are not associated with Post 160 (which is in The Triangle at 3618 SW Alaska), you get a chance to see Phase I for yourself tomorrow, when the renovated event space debuts as Pershing Hall – announced with this plaque by its door off the lobby:

The first show booked for Pershing Hall is tomorrow (Saturday, October 5th) at 8 pm, the Somethin’ Fierce Band will perform there with special guest MER. Booker Savannah Miller-O’Malley says, “This is sure to be a show full of passion and the first of many in our newly renovated building.”

She was first to let us know about the changes – but when we stopped by Post 160 on Thursday afternoon, we found out more.

Kyle Geraghty from the post explained that the event-hall renovations are the first of four phases, and the plan’s been in the works since summertime (right around this year’s Post 160-presented West Seattle Grand Parade). So far, the work has included the main hall (photo above), the foyer, and restroom upgrades (among other things, they are now ADA-complaint), as well as the offices in the building.

The smaller hall on the building’s east side will be part of phase 2, along with the adjacent kitchen. The final phase will include the building’s exterior (where some noticed the sign taken down a while back) and landscaping. Geraghty says the post had amassed savings over the years and just decided to do something more than let it sit in a bank account.

Renovations and upgrades also include the service Post 160 offers to the community. Geraghty says they are reaching out to veterans, not just those who are eligible for American Legion membership. The post will be open each day, starting later this fall, for drop-in services – including veterans’ families, as well as the veterans themselves. They also plan to partner with the women of Post 204 to reach out to female veterans.

All area veterans are invited to their spaghetti dinner coming up on November 10th, and that’s another opportunity to find out more about the post and what it’s offering. In the shorter run, Pershing Hall is not only offering shows like the one this Saturday, but also bookings for events such as weddings, and will also be participating in the fall West Seattle Art Walk – stop by next Thursday, October 10th, 6-9 pm, to meet artist Jason Tang and see his work.

You can find out more information about rentals and bookings by e-mailing Miller-O’Malley at savannah@pershinghall.org. Post 160 events are featured on the post’s Facebook page; Pershing Hall has a FB page too.