Steuben Habitat for Humanity ReStore draws closer to reopening after devastating fire

Jeff Smith, Corning Leader

The Steuben County Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which has been closed since a building at the site was left in ruins by a mid-July 2023 fire, hopes to reopen this spring in a smaller footprint at the state Route 414 location in Corning.

Jay Overacker, Habitat for Humanity spokesperson, said demolition of the building flattened by the blaze has been completed. Crews are currently working to renovate the inside of the building still standing at the site, located directly next to the building destroyed by the fire.

The remediation of the current building includes replacing much of the ceiling, cleanup and electrical work.

When will the ReStore reopen?

No reopening date has been set in stone, but ReStore is currently on pace to open its doors to customers this spring.

“There is not anything we can say with certainty,” Overacker said. “We just don’t know what we are going to run into. We are hopeful for late April or early May opening, but we're not saying that with any certainty because we don't want people to be disappointed.”

Demolition of the burned-out state Route 414 Habitat for Humanity ReStore building were recently completed. Crews are now working on needed upgrades to the current Habitat ReStore building, which officials hope to reopen later this spring.
Demolition of the burned-out state Route 414 Habitat for Humanity ReStore building were recently completed. Crews are now working on needed upgrades to the current Habitat ReStore building, which officials hope to reopen later this spring.

Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. ReStores accept donations and sell a constantly changing inventory of diverse, high-quality merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price, while diverting reusable household items and building materials from landfills.

ReStore held a sale last September to clear items salvaged from the fire.

Corning Community College students helped Habitat for Humanity salvage what was left of the ReStore, which was badly damaged by a July fire.
Corning Community College students helped Habitat for Humanity salvage what was left of the ReStore, which was badly damaged by a July fire.

What are the ReStore funds used for?

Sales of donated items help Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build, rehabilitate and repair safe and affordable homes in the community and around the world.

The Steuben County Habitat for Humanity will dedicate two new Habitat homes in mid-March in a duplex on Hornby Road, Overacker said. Each side of the duplex will be purchased and owned by a Habitat homeowner.

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What started the fire?

This question remains unanswered. The cause of the blaze was not determined, officials said.

The fire broke out in the storage area of the store, destroying many items and causing smoke damage throughout the building.

Donations to support the restoration work are being accepted at habitatcorning.org/restore.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: ReStore nearly set to reopen with a smaller footprint in Corning

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