A fire Sunday forced a children’s clothing store on Winona Avenue to close its doors, but owner Harold Schapson said it will be back.
Schapson said the fire that broke out behind On The Grow, a children’s resale shop at 809 E. Winona Ave., caused $60,000 to $80,000 in damage. He credited firefighters’ quick response with limiting the damage.
The store was not open at the time of the fire, which was called in by a passer-by shortly after 4 p.m. Mike Brubaker, Warsaw-Wayne Fire chief, estimated damage at $25,000.
Winona Lake Fire Department and Multi-Township EMS assisted.
Firefighters believe the burn started with some leaves behind the building, according to Brubaker.
“We’ve had problems lately and we’ve had to chase some people away from back there,” Schapson said.
He said it will take 30 to 40 days to repair the structural damage to the northeast corner of the building, repaint the inside and clean the smoke damage. The clothing will be returned to the racks after it is professionally cleaned, he said.
Schapson, who also owns Sherman and Lin’s Discount Grocery and Bargain Barn and opened On The Grow three years ago, announced the store closing Sunday on the business’ Facebook page.
“I'm beyond devastated,” he wrote. “I appreciate everyone that has shopped and supported our store. Hopefully we can get back in there soon.”
