By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Eight months ago, Alger Hardware at 2408 Eastern was destroyed by fire and two neighboring businesses were severely smoke damaged. All that is a memory now. On May 5th, the hardware and Sundaes In the Heights will hold Grand Opening events to celebrate the end of reconstruction.
Alger Hardware was founded 40 years ago. During reconstruction, the owners reconfigured the floor plan to provide about 1,800 square feet of additional retail space, said Kevan Krenz, who co-owns the business with Bill DeJong. They have also incorporated energy-saving features, wider aisles, improved lighting, and more product selection.
“We are very thankful for the support of the Alger Heights community,” Bill DeJong said. “Without the community, the extensive help of our insurance agent Dick DeYoung and Lamar Construction, none of this would have ever been possible.”
“We are very eager to open our doors,” said Barb Bush, owner of Sundaes in the Heights. The fire forced the ice cream parlor to close early last year. Bush expects to be busy this year after adding outdoor seating for customers.
“We cannot give enough thanks for the support that this community has shown us," Bush said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 AM will officially re-open the businesses. Giveaways and specials will take place throughout the day.
Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop, located in the same building as Sundaes In the Heights, was also damaged in the fire and was able to reopen at the end of last year.
Source: Alger Hardware; Sundaes in the Heights
Deborah Johnson Wood is the Development News Editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at [email protected].
Related Articles
Alger Heights business resurrects itself from ashes
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.