Habitat for Humanity ReStore to begin renovation

The ReStore renovations are expected to be completed by fall. (Photo by Maria Henneberry/WJBC)

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – Habitat for Humanity of McLean County is preparing to break ground to launch the renovation and expansion of the Habitat ReStore.

The project, which will cost around $1 million, will include the demolition of two buildings and construction of a large addition to the current ReStore facility. ReStore General Manager Tyler Wiggs explained the limited space and building condition of the current ReStore played a major role in the decision.

“About a year ago we realized we were running out of space and we had some dilapidated buildings we just needed to come down, so we decided to reinvest in the West Bloomington community,” said Wiggs.

Wiggs said the ReStore’s current space just isn’t enough for the amount of goods it contains. He explained with hundreds of donations every month, expanding the ReStore was the best option.

“Usually every month we have anywhere from 300 up to 500 people who are actually dropping off donations and also picking them up,” Wiggs explained. “And usually at least 100 transactions everyday, so we have quite a few people that come through our doors who are looking to shop or donate.”

The renovations are expected to be completed by fall 2017.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…