ACE HARDWARE TO OPEN IN ALMA
New location to be in former Family Fare grocery store building
Although not many details are available, a new Ace Hardware is coming to Alma.
It will be located in the former Family Fare grocery store building on Wright Avenue that has been vacant since the store closed about six years ago.
“I don’t have much information yet,” Assistant City Manager Aeric Ripley said. “No building plans have been submitted.”
He did say that Gratiot County Building Inspector Tony Miller, who the city contracts with for the service, has been to the store.
“They have just done some light demolition and flooring work,” Ripley said.
He also noted that the owners have not yet applied for state electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.
No zoning changes will be required, Ri
pley added.
“If they do anything outside like the Tractor Supply Company did for lawn and garden items they will have to run that past the planning commission,” he said.
Initially at least, they likely won’t be using the entire building, Ripley noted.
The owners did obtain a permit to install signs, which have already been erected. According to Ripley, it will apparently be a “family owned” business as opposed to a company store.
“They own something like six other Ace Hardwares around the state,” he added.
The owners are currently renting the building but could purchase it at a later date, Ripley said. Family Fare, which was previously Ashcraft’s, closed in 2014, shortly after Meijer’s opened a couple of blocks away. When the new Ace will open is still not known.
“They have a long way to go,” Ripley said. “I will know more in a couple of days.”
Ace Hardware stores are known for carrying a variety of items including grills, snow blowers, power and hand tools, wood and pellet stoves, paint, lawn and garden supplies, home décor, sporting goods, patio and outdoor furniture, and building, lighting, electrical, plumbing and automotive supplies, among others.
The closest Ace Hardware’s are currently located in Six Lakes, Hemlock and Midland.