Downtown Fire: personal statements from those tenants affected
Messages from store owners
Store Owner Holly Beck of “Bellwether by HJB Designs”
Words cannot begin to describe the sense of loss and sadness I am feeling today. Yesterday morning at my shop Bellwether by HJB Designs, a few minutes before 11am I smelled a fire or smoke. I went downstairs and saw the smoke filling up the space below the ceiling. I alerted my co-tenants at 402 Main St to get out of the building. Five minutes later there were flames coming out of the doorways of the building. The fire fighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to the neighboring businesses. However that said, I have lost everything! All of my tools, leather, finished products, hardware, equipment, and custom designs are all gone.
I’m grateful for the years I was able to perfect my craft and provide a service to my friends, clients, community and fellow artists. I have curated a space for about 18 other local artists during this long term venture. It’s been an honor to have met these talented individuals. I am truly blessed. There is always a silver lining in life. I will spend more much needed time with my family and friends. I will spend more time at home. I will travel and enjoy this beautiful planet that God has created for us. I will breathe deeply. I will stop and smell the roses.
Godspeed, Holly
(For those who asked, yes, I am insured and the artists will be compensated…in 3-6ish months. My heart breaks for their immediate needs and the holidays.)
Storeowner Connie McGuire of “Red Canyon Art” did a Pop-Up shop on Saturday, with sales that would support the fire victims. She is just two doors down from the tragic fire.
Connie said: In life and as a community we continue to be tested and challenged, thank you to the first responders and Lyons folks already showing up and supporting those affected by the Fire this week.
We did suffer smoke damage at Red Canyon Art and will not be able to occupy 424 Main Street for 1-2 months as the process of renewing the space happens. In the meantime we are looking for temporary retail space and will be doing some sidewalk pop up events in front of 424 Main in order to keep some holiday joy going. Peace and Kindness, Your Gallerista, Connie
*NOTE*UPDATE* Connie was able to eventually get the store fully open on Saturday, December 17, and Sunday, and will continue to keep it open. Regular hours during the week, and extended EVENING HOURS till 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Christmas week for their pop-n-shop with us!
Business Owner Jenae Sigg, Lovely By Nature Grooming
It is so, so hard to put into words what was lost in this devastating fire.
More than just the things, it was the love and the soul that was poured into the business – everything from hand-painting the space to installing special items for our beloved pups. Putting up and designing the big sign, hanging Christmas lights, working with my close friends and family to create the sacred space….all of the beautiful conversations and connections that happened within those walls with my local community, close friends and all of the pups…. just some of the most special moments that space held for me and for our community. The community was so supportive of the truly sacred grooming processes that happened at 402 Main.
From here, Lovely By Nature is diligently seeking a new, amazing space to reopen. I am hopeful to begin rescheduling grooms starting early to mid January and maybe have an interim location, while I seek and create a more permanent set-up as soon as possible.
Most importantly, the love and generosity of the community has been positively overwhelming. I knew Lyons was my community and home, but nothing has ever shown me more clearly how strong and resilient a community can really be until now.
I am so hopeful for the next chapter of Lovely By Nature Grooming and cannot wait to get back to pampering all the pups and connecting with all of their humans in an even better and more beloved space. Sincerely, Jenae — 303-501-5882 (text works best)
Business Owner Julie Hamilton, Scope Accounting:
I am okay but pretty sure I will not return to my office. The smoke damage and repairs to the rest of the building will be extensive and I doubt it will be safe for me to be there.
With tax season right around the corner, I am focusing on finding an affordable office space where I can still meet with my Lyons area clients. Other than that, my data and files were safely stored offsite so I can continue to operate and serve my clients from my home office.
Tips on office space: email – scopesolutionsnow@gmail.com and by telephone – 303.324.2869.
Business Owner Chelsea A. Victor, Attorney & Counselor at Law
Thank you to our amazing community for your continued support and to the fire departments that came to our rescue like many times before. While my office was very fortunate to have suffered no damage by flames, I did have significant smoke damage, rendering the office unusable for the time being. It is unknown how long it will be until the office will be safe to use again, but our wonderful building owner is doing everything she can to make it happen sooner than later for us. Clients can still meet via teleconference and at various offsite locations for in-person meetings and signings. Stay healthy and stay safe, Lyons!
Thanks, Chelsea A. Victor, Phone: (303)702-0591 chelsea@victorcounsel.com
Business Owner Megan Walsh, Farmers Insurance
(this is based on a phone conversation, and a written statement may be coming in later)
Megan was in her office when the fire happened! The claims adjuster has since been by to inspect the office space, and they said it would be declared a total disaster. She is currently working out of her home. All her files are digital (no paper files). She will be looking for a temporary office space after the holidays. Her clients can still contact her by phone during this adjustment period.
NOTE: The LYONS RECORDER will post updates on where and/or when these businesses “reopen”.
THANKS from the owners of the building: == Paul Tamburello — Dear Lyons Family, on behalf of Jack, Judy, Rene and myself (the ownership group) we are heartbroken over the loss of 402 Main Street. While a building is just bricks and sticks, the life that it held within was an important energy for Main Street. Small business is both the lifeblood and the jewel of a small community like Lyons, and we mourn the loss of the creativity and contributions that these businesses and their passionate owners bring to the community.
Yesterday when I was on site I was completely taken by the amount of community support for the first responders and all those impacted. The leadership from Mayor Rogin, Town Administrator Simonsen, BOT members, and Town Staff has been amazing during this difficult time. Also a shout out to the firefighters from Lyons and several other districts who responded and put their lives on the line to ensure the fire didn’t spread any further.
I frankly couldn’t believe that after a post was up for only 30 minutes to raise funds to support the businesses in the building, this community had already contributed more than $15,000. Clearly the connections in Lyons are deep and a beautiful thing to witness.
We remain immensely grateful that while the personal property loss to the business owners is devastating, there was no loss of life and only minor injuries.
As of right now, the investigation into the origin of the fire is ongoing, but from all early indications there was no foul play involved. It’s too soon to say whether the building is a total loss, but we’ll be in communication as things progress.
Peace and blessings to you and yours throughout this season of light
See our ARTICLE written on the day of the fire, December 8, 2022, for more details on the fire, and photographs of the first responders taking control of the fire.
See our FOLLOW UP ARTICLE in today, December 22, 2022 edition for more information on the aftermaths of the fire damage.
All material in the Lyons Recorder is copyright (2022)
