Operation Restorations revitalizes historic American Legion Post 416 in Encinitas

There are more than 7,500 American Legion posts in the United States, including the “Post on the Coast,” Post 416 on the corner of Second and F Streets in Encinitas. Established by World War I veterans in 1930, the San Dieguito American Legion is the oldest continuously operating business in Encinitas. The current building dates to World War II, when it was built as a barrack at Camp Callan, a U.S. Army antiaircraft training center that occupied land now home to Torrey Pines State Preserve, the Torrey Pines Golf Course complex, and UC San Diego.

The building was moved to Encinitas in 1962, and over the decades, filled with pictures and memorabilia from a century of war. After 80 years, however, the building is sorely in need of work. At one point a wall collapsed, and back in 2015, Post 416 launched a campaign to “Save Our Legion.”

Since then, there has been discussion of replacing the building altogether to take full advantage of the site, but the cost of such an undertaking has been prohibitive. And cost is not the only consideration. For its more than 800 active members, the building itself possesses tremendous history, as it does for the many locals who frequent the post for its welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices — not to mention live music and comedy nights. For those who know, it is a secret gem in Encinitas’ now swinging nightlife.

But new building or not, the post needs a makeover, which is where Operation Restorations comes in. 

“I was walking through town and saw the banner out front, ‘Save our Legion,’” says Valerie Griggs, a local designer who, two years ago, went inside as a result. Like all guests, Griggs, who lives in Del Mar and has an office in La Jolla, was immediately welcomed. At the same time, with more than 30 years of experience designing restaurants and other commercial spaces, Griggs instantly recognized not only the intimacy and history of the post, but the potential of the existing building to be refurbished. Griggs was inspired, to say the least, and the Operation Restorations movement took shape.

After three decades, Griggs has many contacts in the design industry, and she also contacted local veteran-owned contractors and suppliers in the area. With what she learned, Griggs went to the Post 416 Board and asked if they would allow Operation Restorations to make over the space.

“All of the labor and materials are donated,” says Griggs. “The only thing I asked was that we be allowed to video the project with the idea of promoting similar projects around the country.” Like Post 416, many of the Legion posts across the nation were founded nearly a century ago and occupy aging buildings in need of updating and repair.

In documenting the makeover, Griggs has joined forces with her friend Kathleen Bade, longtime anchor on Fox 5 San Diego, who retired this past July after 16 years, saying, “I don’t plan to retire in the conventional sense. I will do something I’m passionate about after taking some time to decompress.”

Post 416 is only the beginning, which is the reason the motto of Operation Restorations is “Not Just a Makeover, a Movement.” Together, Griggs and Bade are working to produce a show focused on refurbishing American Legion posts throughout the nation and are in talks with various production companies and streaming services.

There are 2 million Legion members nationwide, and a big part of the project is getting local businesses involved, such as Northern Pine Brewing, a local veteran-owned business that created an American hop-forward lager, Legiontown, in support of the effort.

As for Post 416, “We are not changing the bar area,” Griggs laughs, having learned it is treasured by all who know it well. The room will get a new stage and furniture, but the primary changes involve installing a new state-of-the-art kitchen and converting a storage area off the bar into a new “living room,” with a pool table and seating for those looking for a quieter space.

Removing a drop ceiling, the entirely volunteer work crew was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful, pitched roof. Three layers of flooring were also removed to get to the original wood, which is being reinforced and refinished as well.

“When it comes to older buildings, you find that over the years, people have just added layers,” says Griggs.

A grand opening for the remodeled post’s new kitchen and living room is planned for the spring, but in the meantime, the Legion remains open, and is as welcoming as ever. operationrestorations.org