The Niles FOP Lodge, as scene from the nearby train tracks, this week. Submitted photo

Construction on the new Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Niles is progressing quickly, but the lodge is still in need of the community’s financial support.

The lodge, which was destroyed by arson last year, was insured for less money than the cost of its replacement.

To make up the difference, Niles FOP is offering a buy-a-brick program to the public.

The goal was to sell 1,000 bricks at $35 a piece or two for $60.

Only 150 bricks have been sold so far, according to FOP Lodge President Mike Dawson.

The deadline for ordering a brick is March 15.

“We’re a little short, but there’s still time,” Dawson said.

Each brick will be engraved with the name of a person or business and placed on the front of the new lodge. There is enough space for three lines of print on each brick.

To order a brick, email Dawson at nilesfop95@yahoo.com. To order by mail, send payment along with brick information to: Niles FOP Lodge 95, PO Box 1205, Niles Michigan.

Dawson said the exterior walls and roof have been finished. Work on interior is expected to begin next week.

“It’s looking good,” he said.

Weather permitting, the building could be finished by the end of April.