Members of the 149-year old Masonic lodge feel they must defend their land.

They say Lexington officials want the West Butler and Church Streets site for parking at a new hotel.

But Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall said the town aims to work out an agreement with the lodge.

“We want a win-win for everyone,” he said.

“We don’t want to take their building. In fact, we have offered to pave their lot and reserve spaces for them to use on Monday nights when they meet.”

Masonic Lodge No. 152 Secretary Dick Kyzer said the town has offered to pay too little for the property.

Kyzer said officials had threatened to condemn the land and take it for an appraised price of $300,000.

MacDougall said condemnation is not planned.

The Masons found property and hired a contractor for an estimate for a new building, Kyzer said.

The land cost $150,000 and the building cost over $1 million, he said.

“We can’t afford that.”

Marriott reportedly plans a hotel of up to 100 rooms on the former Sessions Department Store site at 116 East Main St. a half block from the old courthouse.

The Lexington Hospitality Group bought the now-vacant land for a reported $1 million. It transferred it to a corporation owned by Al Champaneri who owns 2 other Main Street hotels.

Kyzer said a better site for the hotel is the former Addy Dodge site on Columbia Avenue which has more land for parking and easy access to a 4-lane road.

“Hotel guests are going to have problems getting in and out on Main Street,” Kyzer said.