Angie Whittle is going to be spending the holiday season getting ready to open her new store for the second time this year.
The heritage building that housed her Seventh Avenue store suffered smoke damage from the fire Sept. 23 when the neighboring buildings went up in flames. Angie’s Natural Health had to close its doors just one month after they opened.
There had been concerns that damage to the building’s foundation might lead to its demolition. However, engineers recently declared the building structurally sound.
Both it and Terry McLean’s Art Gallery are safe from the wrecking ball.
Back to business
Owner Frank Vandenhoek decided not to reopen his Equipment for Independence store, the property nearest the fire on the south side. But his two business tenants (Whittle and Physio First) were in limbo for several months awaiting the engineer’s report.
Whittle said, “I was very relieved and ecstatic that I can stay in the same location. It’s a great spot and it has a positive energy.”
This week, Cancade has been on site cleaning the former San Tai store, removing everything that was permanently tainted by smoke and cleaning what is savable.
Whittle plans to reopen her health store sometime in the new year.
McLean Gallery saved
The historic building that housed Terry McLean’s paintings and store has also been spared, said Cory Lawson, project manager with Cancade Restorations.
“The engineer found both buildings to be okay and right now the insurance companies are in the estimate phase for repairs.”
Cancade is in the process of test cleaning the many paintings removed from McLean’s gallery. Test cleaning ensures the works can safely be treated and restored.
A relief
Doug Treloar of Physio First temporarily moved his physiotherapy office to a vacant space across Seventh Avenue but his staff say they plan to return as soon as possible.
Many Virden residents and admirers of historic architecture are also celebrating the news that no more of the town’s built history will be lost.
“It’s always a relief when a heritage building can be saved,” said Whittle. “I’m very excited to reopen my store. The positive side to all this is I now have the opportunity to remodel and make it my own.”
