(6/20) Hobbs’ Hardware, established in 1925 and formerly owned by brothers Michael and Edward Hobbs, is now under new ownership and undergoing a major million-dollar renovation, including plans calling for a full-blown lumber yard.

Rob Baker, Hobbs’ Hardware’s new manager, said the hardware store, located at 15 E Main Street, was acquired from the Hobbs brothers by Gulf Group, having closed on the contract of sale in mid-May.

The actual renovation work commenced at the end of May, and the store has remained open in the wake of its sale to the Gulf Group and remains open while the overhaul and re-design proceeds.

Virtually all the shelving that once lined the walls of the store is being taken down, or already has been. Baker said the shelf removal is to facilitate the renovation of the walls.

In addition, considerable attention is being given to the ceiling, which entails removing all of the ceiling tiles as well as any insulation around the ceiling vents. The manager said the ceiling will be left open to expose the metal beams, and the ceiling and beams will then be spray-painted black to maintain an "industrial look and feel."

The check-out counter will be relocated in the center of the front of the store, and a wide central lane will be created down the center of the store, with rows of shelving emanating right and left, perpendicularly off the main aisle.

Much of the original hardware and supplies that were in the store at the time of the sale have been retained and are available for sale, but Baker stated that an additional $200,000 worth of new stock will be arriving at any time to enhance product choices and assure a wider selection of items.

In addition, signage and obstruction are being removed from the front display windows in order to allow passing motorists and pedestrians to be able to view the entire contents of the store from the street.

But one of the significant features being added to the building proper is a full-service lumber yard, including lumber sheds, which will soon come in the presently open parking and open lot area located to the side and rear of the main store.

As far as what the Hobbs brothers think about the renovations, Baker said, "They’ve been open to it - the changes."

Because the store has remained open for business, he said, "We’ve been busy. Sales have been booming," with some customers coming in just to ask about the changes. He said the business will be "contractor pro" focused but will maintain a diverse stock for any hardware needs.

A grand opening is planned for early fall.