Business Owner Still Impacted After 2023 John Day Fire
Over a year has passed since a devastating commercial fire swept through downtown John Day, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a community striving to rebuild. Among the most severely affected was the office of Country Preferred Realtors, which has struggled to return to normalcy following the incident.
The fire, which occurred on April 17, 2023, originated from an electrical fault in an adjacent building, leading to the near-total destruction of the Deline Building, a structure that had stood on the north side of Main Street for nearly a century. The aftermath has been particularly challenging for Wendy Cates, the business owner of Country Preferred Realtors.
Despite owning the property, Cates has encountered significant hurdles in dealing with her insurance company, particularly regarding the acceptance of bids for crucial wall demolition before structural repairs can commence. “It’s very difficult,” Cates expressed, highlighting the frustration and challenges in navigating the process of rebuilding and recovery. “I’m hoping my insurance will settle with me so I can move forward. Now it’s been over a year.”
The impact on her business has been profound, with Cates estimating a loss of about 75 percent of her business’s previous scope. “I don’t want to lose my business,” she stated, emphasizing the responsibility she feels towards the five individuals who rely on the company for their livelihood.
In the interim, Cates and her team have found a temporary home across the street at the Java Jungle coffee shop, thanks to the generosity of its owner. She is also utilizing her home office to keep the business operational.
Meanwhile, the site of the Deline Building has seen a change in ownership. Curt Blackburn, a real estate broker from Burns, acquired the lot last August and had the remains of the structure demolished by October. Blackburn envisions a new future for the site, with plans to erect a two-story mixed-use building that echoes the old, featuring storefronts on the bottom floor and residential apartments above. He expressed hopes of breaking ground in the coming spring after finalizing the plans this fall.
The fire not only affected business owners like Cates but tenants such as Shannon Adair, who operated the 1188 Destinations Gift Shop within the Deline Building. While her 1188 Brewing Co. restaurant and pub next door suffered smoke damage, restoration efforts allowed it to reopen last July. Adair is looking ahead to potential outdoor events on the empty lot next door, with Blackburn’s support, marking a beacon of optimism for a community eager to move past the disheartenment of the previous year.
The story of downtown John Day is one of resilience and communal support, as business owners like Cates and Adair face their challenges head-on, supported by the community and the prospect of a rebuilt and revitalized Main Street. As they navigate the complexities of recovery and rebuilding, their stories are a testament to the enduring spirit of small-town America, undeterred by adversity and looking forward to a brighter future.
