Tomorrow you can have your nails done

It has been a long road of recovery since the 5 alarm fire that struck in downtown Renton over 2 months adversely affected the building housing the CK Nail and Spa on South Third Street. Granted, the building that went up in flames was around the corner on Wells Ave. S. but the thousands of gallons of water that were used to save the block from going up in flames rained down heavily through the roof of the salon. After all the other businesses seemed to have gotten up and running thus far, CK is just now ready to reopen their doors once again.

Chi and her husband, Kevin were both in the store this afternoon putting the last finishing touches in preparation for opening tomorrow. The entire salon was gutted and redone, with a new color on the walls and a rejuvenated air about the place.

Tomorrow there will be specials to welcome the clientele back, so spread the word and come on in to have a soothing mani/pedi in the deluxe spa chairs. Rub the Happy Buddha's belly while you are there. Many other shop owners might have thrown in the towel and walked away. Lucky for us, Chi and her nail salon decided to stay.

CK Nails & Spa
900 S. Third St. (425)282-6453
Mon - Sat: 9am-7pm Closed Sunday

A-1 Up and Running

10 days ago Tom Swanson opened his doors after having them forcefully closed on 6/11 when a 5 Alarm Fire raged in the building housing his business on Wells Street this year. 2 months and a silent auction fund raiser organized by his wife later, Tom is just "trying to get the ball rolling again."

The business originally was comprised of Tom and his brother, Bud with Tom handling the keys and locks end of the business and Bud specializing in vacuum repair and maintenance, of which he has 28 years of experience. When the fire occurred, Bud thought to just retire. Now Bud will help out with any repair work that comes through the door and make sure to keep up on the warranties that were issued through the shop back when it was around the corner.

The location on South Third Street is a nice and central location, definitely helping fill out our blossoming downtown business sector. Open everyday except Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, if you were a longtime client of Tom's or just in need of his services, now is the time to drop and say "Welcome Back."

A-1 Locksmith and Safes
715 S.Third Street
425-228-2613

Fire Sale - a one man band

The Comic Den seems to be thriving in their new locale, the Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes are back to business and the Renton Laptop is open for trade. But some people are still struggling with the fire. Here is John, previous tenant in the now burnt Harries Building. For the last 2 days he has been having his own personal fire sale. There is something new out all the time as he sorts through his personal effects and tried to make a little money and clear out what he can no longer afford to keep.

While I was there, a kind lady was buying the plant that you see above. John had stepped away for a minute to work, and she was arranging to leave him a check for the bookshelves and planter that she was taking home.

Renton is full of warmhearted, well meaning people. I see it all the time. I have heard so many stories of how people were trying to donate to those tenants that lost there home at the fire on Wells 2 weeks ago.

If you are in the neighborhood, and feel like helping out - come by and make a purchase from John. I am certain he would appreciate it.

Renton after the Fire - community,recovery and gratefulness

First things first - Roy Beeler, Manager of the building that was burnt down in the Renton 5 Alarm Fire 10 days ago, stated it as soon as he could politely stand up and voice it. Rod Stewart, owner of the Country Station Antique Store in the top block of S. Third Street seconded those thoughts when it was his turn. Extreme gratitude and thanks to the Fire and Emergency Dept. of Renton for their incredible help in saving an entire block of buildings. "You saved our businesses - Thank you!"

Last night at the Eagles on Wells Ave.S., the Renton Fire and Emergency Dept. held a meeting to discuss with the community about the 5 Alarm Fire that rocked our downtown nearly 2 weeks ago. Chief Daniels was on hand to lead the talk about what was found that night, why the firemen did what they did, what efforts the city is presently taking and how they are finding ways to get the businesses that were effected back to normal. Putting out the fire is just the first of a long line of steps that take place.

The highlights, you may ask? Kent, Seattle, Tukwila, Auburn and Renton all joined forces to fight this fire - 119 firemen all told. They train together, so they all know the same rules of engagement, follow the same chain of command. Beautiful synergy, no injuries - not one. A fireman dies every three days within the US, Chief Daniels disclosed. We had everyone go home safe, including the building tenants. Wow.

The fire department did make another visit, as I reported two days ago here, to the Harries Building were they found a 5 foot high stack of comics still smouldering. Block Aid and another 1,000 gallons of water were used to treat the situation, as well as stirring the pile of an estimated 30,000 comics. Highly unlikely they will trigger again, but Roy Beeler, Manager of the prior building, will see to it that Howard Wheatly of The Comic Den recovers whatever else he might salvage from the pile and then have it removed ASAP. That was relieving news to all of the businesses located nearby. Hats off to Deb of Girlfriend's Antiques for bringing this issue to The Picarron attention.

In any emergency, we were told, there are 5 phases.

*Prevention *Preparedness * Response * Recovery * Mitigation

Renton is in different phases of recovery right now. Some businesses, like Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes, Renton Laptop Shop and The Comic Den are already back open and serving customers. A-1 Vacs & Locks is working with the city to expedite his permits, has secured a location next to Naan & Curry and will hopefully be up and running soon. The CK Nail Spa and Salon was hit hard with water damage and is still under major repair.

Our community really comes together in a crisis, reiterated Jennifer Davis Hayes of the Renton's Community & Economic Development. As Bill Flora,Deputy Chief - Fire Marshall, reminded us all, the Police Dept., Public Works Dept, Community & Economic Development all played crucial roles in expediting the safe fighting of the fire that Friday night and the recovery after the fire. PLUS our lovely Renton people - who have given of their hearts and their efforts to those afflicted by loss through this fire, every step of the way.

The good news is that the building has been purchased by Howard Ho, owner of the adjacent building housing the Common Ground and business developer. The city, Jennifer Davis Hayes stated, will be watching closely to see that things move along in a timely fashion where the building is concerned. The city had already sent the previous owner, Bob Delancey, a 30 days to demolish or redo letter. But word on the street is that Howard Ho has wanted to purchase that building for sometime and has every intention of rebuilding.

Special thanks to the Renton Fire and Emergency Department for being on hand for this meeting - Renton Fire Chief I. David Daniels, Bill Flora Deputy Chief -Fire Marshall, Mark Peterson Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Joan Montegary Asst. to the Fire Chief, Jennifer Davis Hayes of the Community & Economic Development, Kevin Hoult of the Renton Small Business Development Center.

Comics still burning on

This afternoon, the old Harries Building that was the site of Renton's 5 Alarm fire saw a little more action. Three firemen, completely suited up and a pair of fire engines, pumping water, paid a visit to the basement of the building that once housed The Comic Den and the A-1 Vacuum & Locks. Seems that there is a stack of smouldering comic books about 5 feet high that bursts into flames about every week, this told to me by one of the firemen, Captain Mike Proulx of the Renton Fire Department, after exiting the building on Wells Ave. S.

As you can see, the building received a little more water and attention. This view is taken from the back of the building where there is a parking area.

I had no idea that comic books could be that tenacious. There is word on the street that Bob Delancey, owner of the now burned out building, is negotiating with a buyer. It would be great to have that space rebuilt and renovated. Let's hope both parties can come to an agreement soon. I will keep you posted.

When life gives you fire, you make S'MORES!

So, after the fire next door to the Cupcake Shop, things have finally started to get back to normal at Common Ground. Coffee is being served, cupcakes are being made -

Campfire Cupcakes, with S'More Frosting!

Crystal Roberts, our cupcake maven extraordinaire, says that this Marshmallow Frosting is probably the best stuff to grace the Common Ground's cupcakes to date.

Here is Rachel, the creator of the marvelous Marshmallow Frosting with one of her creations. This flavor sells out as soon as they make it - but have no fear. This is a flavor of cupcakes they intend to keep around awhile.
Because when life gives you get fire, you make S'mores!

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee 900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Get your coffee and your cupcakes!

The sign is out - the doors are open. Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes is ready to serve you up some coffee and cupcakes.

When I cruised by a little while ago, the tempting smells of baked goods assaulted my delicate nose. There was Crystal Roberts, cupcake maven extraordinaire, working her magic in the cupcake kitchen. With incredible effort on the staff of the entire coffee shop and with the immense help of Mike Roberts and his crew from Venturi Clean - things are getting back to normal at Common Ground.

Lang, the owner of Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes was in a well deserved good mood when I ran into him today. He said that, though having been born in Aberdeen, WA and having moved around to different spots within our state, it wasn't until he moved to Renton and opened his store downtown that he has ever felt such a feeling of community, of being home.

You will recall that not too long after he opened his business in downtown Renton 2 years ago, a freak accident occurred where a car ran into the shop's front window one night. A complete stranger came and brought lumber to cover the open window frames and install it himself. Lang is no stranger to feeling the warmth and help of Renton during tough times.

"The more things happen here in Renton," Lang exclaimed, " the more gratified I feel for having chosen to live in Renton and to do business here". Lang recounted how children drug their parent's to the shop's door after the fire just to make sure that everything was okay. "One teenage girl wrapped her arms around my wife, Hang, when she saw her saying "Oh, good! you're alright!""

Happy times - to see people getting back to work again, and seeing businesses bounce back less than a week after that horrible 5 Alarm Fire that took downtown Renton by surprise.
SO - come by, please!

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee 900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

The Comic Den is OPEN!!

They're back!!! New comics, new location and a happy, returning clientele. The Comic Den has opened their doors today to great success and a huge sigh of relief. Hard work and many laborious hours have gone into getting the store to this place and time. Now that the doors are open, the task will be to get the recovered stock back on the floor and have the shop organized said Howard Wheatly, owner. The plan is that by the week before Renton River Days in the last days of July, the shop will have a grand reopening, and be really situated once again.

Pictured above is Rich Nesbitt waiting on longtime customer Danielle NiDhighe. Both were very happy to have the chance to see one another. Rich still has a job he enjoys to come to and Danielle has an outlet to indulge in her comic reading. This makes everyone happy.

Owner, Howard Wheatly - exhausted, but good.

Please note that the phone number is not working at present at The Comic Den but will be remedied by the following Monday. Please feel free to email them at: comicden@hotmail.com

The Comic Den 822 South Third Street
(425) 235 - 1663 (as of next Monday 6/22)
Email: comicden@hotmail.com

Comic Buyers - Start your Engines!

Today is the day to buy a new comic book. The Wednesday tradition of new comic book arrivals at The Comic Den continues. When last I spoke to Howard Wheatly, the owner, the store would open at Noon Today! Fall out and support Renton!

The Comic Den 822 South Third Street
(425) 235 - 1663 Renton, WA

Brewing coffee and getting ready to open tomorrow - Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes

Yesterday afternoon, everything related to the making and displaying of cupcakes seemed to be piled up on the sidewalk in front of Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes - one of the handful of businesses that were adversely affected by the 5 Alarm Fire Renton experienced last week.

The plans are today, Hang (above) owner of our favorite cupcake hang, to brew tons of pots of coffee to instill the establishment with that lovely scent of the brew that the customers love so well. And to chase away any remnants of the smoke that recently filled the rooms of their coffee shop. Soon, it will smell the way a bakery of sweet delights should.

The hope is that tomorrow, Wednesday, they will have a soft opening and start to get cupcakes and coffee in all of our bellies once again. You can check their website, listed below, for updates!

Come out and support, Renton. They need your patronage to help overcome the losses of these last few days.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee 900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

The man you call after the fire cools down

Smoke, soot, water, mildew, mold - after a fire the size that hit downtown Renton last week, the clean-up process is daunting. It's more than just pushing a mop and wiping down the walls. It takes professional help and care - and fast. If not attended to immediately, the mold and mildew of tons of water that sluiced through your establishment trying to put the fire out will leave their damage.

Luckily Mike Roberts was on the scene even before the fire inspectors were letting the business owners in to inspect their losses. Mike was already keenly evaluating what equipment needed to be brought over, the crew he needed to gather and the first actions he had to take to help Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes, CK Nail Spa and Salon, and the Renton Laptop Computer Store start to clean up.

CK Nail Spa and Salon

Even though these three businesses were not involved in the fire or the building that now lays in ruins, the water used by the firemen to contain the spread of the flames filtered into their shops. From what Mike Roberts tried to explain to me, the firemen needed to cut a trough for the water to run through while attacking the fire. The water then came in a little bit to the Common Ground, a little more to the Computer Store, but unfortunately for the Nail Salon, most of the water then ended up there. When Chi and Kevin, the owners of the salon, first opened the door, at least 6 inches deep of water ran out. It will take a much longer time for the Nail Salon to recover and reopen.

I am mentally rubbing the belly of Buddha, in Asia meant to help the bringing of good luck, that the CK Nail Spa and Salon gets back to giving the best manicures and pedicures around real soon.

When talking to the owners of Common Ground yesterday, Papa Cupcakes (yes, that's what I call him!) says that they wouldn't even be able to think about opening by possibly tomorrow if it hadn't been for Mike Roberts and his team working from the absolute first possible moment to get their place clean and up and going. They thought he just cleaned carpets - they had no idea that he had specialized machinery, fans, you name it, to help in such drastic conditions. It also helped that Mike's wife, Crystal, works for Hang and Lang at the Cupcake Shop. He told me that she was very unhappy about the fire, and Mike firmly believes in "Happy Wife, Happy Life." And Mike has been nearly exhausting himself these past few days to make sure that Crystal, and everyone else, is feeling better after the fire.

Mike Roberts also told me that to get started with his intense work, he was going to need a huge container on site to throw out damaged pieces of building from the fire. Jennifer Davis Hayes heard him and delivered immediately - and the container's cost was footed by the City of Renton. Just another reason to acknowledge - Hey, that's what's great about Renton!

Venturi Clean 206 - 522 - 4444 17660 West Valley Highway, Tukwilla,WA
www.venturiclean.com

A-1 Locksmith - Rebuilding a business after the fire

Here just in from Jennifer Davis Hayes Desk:

You’ve asked how else you can help. I spoke to Tom Swanson of A-1 Locksmith and he’s hoping to move into the space on S 3^rd between Naan N Curry & Mroczeck Antiques which is currently leased from Nann N Curry for storage. He would build a wall to make a small area in the front retail space to serve retail key customers. Here’s a list of things that he said he needs to rebuild:

* Wood/material to rebuild shop in new location

* Computer

* Fax

* Printer

* Phone

* Stationary, Supplies

* Labor - Contractor willing to donate carpentry & electrical skills to do work to rebuild space in new location

If you or someone you know can help, please contact Tom directly at 253-740-8872. Relocation assistance donations can still be made for A-1 Locksmith at the Downtown US Bank location. He’ll need money for basics to such things as permit and reconnect fees, as well as loss of business.

When there's nothing left - Donating after the Renton Fire

Roy Beeler

5 of the 7 residents that lived in the building that caught on fire last week in Renton have moved across the street to live. Roy Beeler, the manager of both the building that was lost to flames and the one with vacancies to house the now homeless tenants of Wells Ave has been trying to organize situating everyone during this trying time. Problem is - when you have lost everything, their is a whole lot more to "moving in" than you would think.

Think "starting from scratch" and magnify that concept. That is what these people are dealing with today.

Having said that, the call out for twin mattresses for the tenants move was answered immediately by Salvation Army and as you can see in the photo below, already delivered. Red Cross provided each of the former residents with debit cards for $360 so that they could buy some necessities to help reestablish themselves and a bag full of things like toothpaste and a toothbrush. All of these gestures really help.

But, as of today - what can, Renton, still do to help? As of yesterday evening when I spoke with Roy Beeler, he said that a lot of the things that Marice Palmer listed in her letter that can be seen posted here on fellow blogger, Randy Corman's blog, had been secured. But things like sheet sets for twin beds, working TV's with converter boxes (even 13" screens would be okay - remember, the rooms are NOT that large) would be really helpful.

While I was there, talking to both Roy Beeler and peeking in on the beehive of commotion as The Comic Den moved into their new digs in 822 S. Third Street, there was a woman who stood out in her efforts on behalf of these men who lost their homes. Her name is Stephanie, and she lives just around the corner in a neighboring building from where the fire occurred. She is longtime Renton resident, friend to Roy and friend to the displaced tenants of the fire.

"It could have been me. It could've been my house that was on fire " Stephanie told me as she handed yet another bag of bedding, fans and alarm clocks to Roy Beeler. The next thing I knew, she was coming back with bags of shampoo, razors, and other sundry items to give as well. "I get paid tomorrow", Stephanie said, as she leaned her head out of her car window to talk to Roy. "Ask the guys what they need and I will talk to you tomorrow."

Stephanie thought when she saw the billows of black smoke last week that it was her home that was going to be lost. She told me she is just spending the money that she would have had to use to get her own life up and going again on the people who are now faced with that same challenge.

(No picture of dear Stephanie ? Nope - she had more important things to be doing than posing for a photo. You go girl!)

PS: Kudos to Marcie Palmer, who was donating loads of needed necessities from her home while the rest of us were toasting our dogs with beer in hand at the Barks and Brews event. Also, the woman who came down twice with her truck loaded with nice chairs and boxes of clothes. You both, of course, ROCK.

UPDATE: 6/15 1:45 pm
*McLendon's donated the last three fans that were needed - way to go, McLendons!
*St.Vincent de Paul will be giving the tenants VOUCHERS so that they can buy clothes that suit and fit them. Great Idea guys!
*The Mayor's Office has called to ask how they can be of service - Yeah Denis Law!

Contact Roy Beeler :425-227-5433 if you need further clarification.

In honor of Firemen that have already gone

Another blog that I really enjoy visiting, The Quincy Daily Photo Blog, had this posting for Sunday. I felt that in light of our recent fire downtown and our deep,heartfelt thanks to our own Fire Department and the departments in neighboring towns who lent a hand during our crisis, this would be really good to share.

The second Sunday in June is apparently a day of remembrance for Firefighters who have died. This is the Firefighter Memorial in Quincy,MA that resides in the cemetery across the street from their Police Station. Isn't it lovely?

I hope that the author of the this blog doesn't mind me sharing this lovely image with you. Considering what our downtown has recently been through - I think maybe they will understand just how grateful we are today for the help we so recently received.

After the Fire : Renton's Comic Den to reopen this Wednesday!

Even though fire and water are surely no friend to a comic book, Howard Wheatly, owner of The Comic Den, is rebounding with amazing speed and with tons of good spirits. Today, while visiting with him at site of the fire in his old shop on Wells Ave., things were being cleaned and moved and sorted by a team of friends and customers. The owner of the building at 822 S. Third Street, Bob Delancey, is also the owner of the now totaled building on Wells Ave. that was completely ruined a couple of days ago by a 5 Alarm Fire that struck. Howard is now in the process of moving into half of that store presence on South Third with the intention of opening his doors for business on this coming Wednesday at noon. That's right folks - new comic delivery on Wednesdays is back!

Howard is taking everything in stride these days. Approximately 80% of his stock was lost in the fire, but the remaining 20% was the stuff that was worth saving. In it were his gold and silver age comics. There was more to salvage than you would think - because of the plastic sleeves that covered the comic issues which lent needed protection . At this moment, the sorting process is taking place and those that can be recovered are being put into new plastic sleeves and being readied for the store's reopening in just three days.

Howard explained that at least all of his store inventory had been paid for and that most of his business is in new comics, and that is where he derives most of his revenue. Howard is looking at the cup half full these days - I mean, what else can you do? Which is why Howard struck the pose up above in the photo. Living proof that you can make lemonade from sucky situations.

While there I was amazed at the industriousness of everyone who scuttled around the wet and soot filled rooms that once was home to The Comic Den for nearly two decades.

This shot reminds me of Michelangelo's "Hand of God" - except that what we are looking at here is nothing pretty. That is where the ceiling used to be and where all the water from the firemens'
hoses rained down. Side rooms off of the main area were almost a complete write off as far as comics were concerned. Howard said that they would be lucky to scrape together 10% from the inventory in those rooms. I looked into these rooms and all I could really see was blackened and shriveled pages upon pages of books. Yuck.



The new location for The Comic Den is so close - just across the street. Handtrucks and armloads of rescued goods were being taken over as fast as they could be carried. No one seemed to stop to take a breath or take a break. Pure dedication. Determination at it's best.


Someone put this water bottle up against the temporary wire fence that surrounds the building front on Wells Ave. Change has been accumulating as people already start to pitch in and help. The biggest help, however, will be for all of the former customers and hopefully a whole generation of new ones, to come by on Wednesday for the delivery of the new comics with your greenbacks in hand. Now that would make a great start for The Comic Den Recovery Plan.



Ah, Joker - foiled again!! Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, The Comic Den will live to rule another day!

The Comic Den 822 South Third Street Renton WA
(their new digs!)

Renton Fire Aftermath - where do you go when you haven't got a home?

This was the entryway to apartments on the second floor of the building that caught fire last night here in Downtown Renton. The entryway to the home of seven Renton residents, all whom escaped the 5 Alarm Fire without harm, but who now are also without a home.

Roy Beeler, manager of the apartment was there when the he heard the cry for help come from one of the tenants when the fire began. He was there when he opened doors to be met with thick clouds of nasty, cough inducing smoke to try to help people to safety. He is now also there to help relocate these 7 people to an adjacent apartment building that has vacancies (and is owned by the same owner, Mr. Bob Delancey, I believe) and to try to help with the businesses, The Comic Den and A-1 Vacuums & Locks, that lost their livelihoods as well.

People have already begun to inquire as to how they can help - that is the sort of town spirit that I am always proud to report. I have been informed that Red Cross has already met with the tenants and is helping them with their needs. But there are ways that you, Renton, can help:

From the desk of Jennifer Davis Hayes, Community & Economic Development:

There is hope that the two businesses in the building that caught fire can relocate to another storefront on S 3^rd St. Neither of these businesses had fire insurance due to the age of the building (cost prohibitive). A business relocation fund has been set up for A-1 at US Bank and they are working on setting one up for Comic Den at Bank of America. Donations can be made to either to help the businesses rebuild their livelihood.

Donations of twin mattresses for the residents and bedding and other household items are being requested. Roy Beeler, building manager, is accepting donations and can be reached at 425-227-5433.

We are fortunate that no one was hurt in the fire and thank the quick action of the Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department and other local departments for their actions.

The Renton Reporter has an excellent video concerning the fire - and you should check it out here. Great job with that, Dean!

Again - this is what make's Renton GREAT - and I couldn't be prouder.

The Comic Den - the aftermath of the Renton Fire is not very funny

One of the other biggest losses that occurred from the 5 Alarm Fire that struck downtown Renton last night was at The Comic Den - a venerable purveyor of graphic novels and comics for nearly 20 years. I think it goes without saying that a fire and then tons of water being sprayed to put said fire out are not the friend to anything made of paper. I have yet to hear, but I think most of the inventory must be permanently damaged.

I have been informed this afternoon that there is an account for The Comic Den also if you would like to make donations to help. Remember, this was a very old building and insurance would have been prohibitive and unaffordable, so Howard the owner unfortunately, was uninsured. You can make donations at The Bank Of America for The Comic Den (it is being set up right now) to help Howard rebuild and relocate his business. Please help with whatever you can. If we all give a little, it amounts to more than you would think.

This lot of water ridden comics were pulled from on top of the storm drain just at the corner of Wells and South Third. It must have drifted out of the building when the tide of water from the firemens' hoses washed the flames away.

This was The Comic Den just at the beginning of May when the owner, Howard Wheatly, participated in a National Comic Day and gave away free comics to anyone who came to the store, no purchase necessary. There were a dozen or more issues specially designed for the day, May 1st, and Howard had said that the 300 or so people that had come in that weekend was the best turnout he had had for this event to date.

This was one of my all time favorite windows that graced the front of The Comic Den. I am a bit of a Wolverine fan, so I could hardly help myself. I'm so glad, now, that I got this shot in when I did. It was still up last night before the fire struck.

I found this Joker action toy in the gutter near the scene of the fire. The Joker was always know for his notorious acts of violence in the Batman comic series. You know, The Joker is a self-professed Arsonist - and I blame him for this entire situation. And you can tell him that for me personally.