LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. — Several businesses are reopening in downtown Lake Oswego after a burst pipe flooded businesses on Jan. 11.
“It's been really tough,” said Kim Perrette, owner of City Homes at 390 North State Street. “The whole store was flooded, three inches of water came down from the ceiling, it was heartbreaking.”
Since the incident, Perrette and her staff have been working to dry and salvage as much as they can.
Next door at Mapel Boutique, owner Stacey Burns is going through the same crisis.
“It started raining inside our space,” Burns said.
They included boxes of flood-soaked clothing and a half-inch of water on the floor. She's grateful for what they were able to save and prepared for what they can't control.
“We understand that there may be some damage to the walls and floors,” Burns said. “We don't really know yet, but they're still evaluating it.”
Burns said that in a worst-case scenario, the building could require extensive repairs, which would be handled by the owners. But in that case, she said, her business and others would likely have to close again for a while, which is why this weekend is so important.
“We plan to reopen temporarily for the weekend,” Burns said. “I miss my customer. It's been over a week since I've seen him.”
Barnes said as part of the weekend promotion, customers will receive a $20 gift certificate with every purchase. At City Home, Perrette said he will offer 50% off everything in the store, damaged or not.
Both business owners said they are overwhelmed by the community's support.
“Trees are falling on homes, especially here in Lake Oswego,” Perrette said. “People are reaching out and wanting to help, and that’s a blessing.”
