Sierra Hardware Plans Extensive Repairs After Flood Damage

DOWNIEVILLE — Sierra Hardware suffered flooding on Thanksgiving Day caused by a failed utility sink valve. Repair and cleanup work is now being planned to address extensive damage, especially to the store’s flooring. Owner Cindy McCreary says, “As a result of the water damage, the flooring in the main body of the store must be replaced. Additionally, replacement is required for some damaged drywall and paneling to mitigate a possible mold situation down the road.” The repairs will involve removing everything on the tile floor, including most merchandise and shelving. Those efforts will also necessitate a full closure of the store and its adjacent parking lot, potentially lasting more than a month.

McCreary intends to keep the hardware store open while awaiting repairs. Operations will run from 11 AM to 3 PM, Tuesdays through Saturdays, until Christmas. She encourages customers to anticipate upcoming needs, including fire starters, tarps, Christmas supplies, and similar items, for pickup in the coming weeks.

Toward year’s end, one or two large containers will arrive in the hardware store’s parking lot to hold items relocated from the store during repairs. The containers will likely obstruct parking spaces and prompt at least a partial closure of the lot.

Repairs are slated to begin around the start of the new year. At that point, the Sierra Hardware store will close entirely. Staff will also suspend collections for the Downieville Public Utility District and United Parcel Service (UPS) package shipments. The full closure’s length remains uncertain, but McCreary says it could span “several weeks or a couple of months.”

“Thank you for your understanding and patience during this trying time,” added McCreary. “I am very sorry for the inconvenience it causes everyone, but it is out of our control. Once repairs are made and merchandise moved, we will happily welcome you all back!”