White's plans more modern store

PULASKI — White's Lumber suffered more than $2 million in damage in last month's disastrous fire, but plans for a new building already are in the works.

Owners of White's plan to rebuild at the site of the fire, which destroyed more than $600,000 worth of inventory.

"The new building is going to be state of the art," said co-owner Jonathan L. White. "It will be more modernized, something similar to Clayton, maybe with a drive-through warehouse."

The building that once stood at 3704 Route 13 was estimated to be worth $1.5 million. Mr. White said the insurance claim will cover the loss of the inventory and the structure as well as the cost of clearing all the charred debris.

Since the Feb. 11 blaze, orders for supplies have been filled from the other White's locations, in Watertown, Clayton and Gouverneur, Mr. White said. He said the next step for the company will be to bring temporary, portable buildings to Pulaski and begin stocking them with popular supplies.

"There aren't going to be displays or anything," he said. "But people will be able to pick up items like insulation, nails, fasteners. Stuff like that; everyday, common items."

None of the employees from the Pulaski store lost their jobs.

"All our employees relocated to the Watertown site," Mr. White said. "We have been getting our face out in the community and have been making plenty of deliveries in Pulaski."

Mr. White said the family is in the initial stage of the rebuilding process and is waiting for blueprints from two building designers. Once details are approved by the insurance company, construction of the new lumber store will begin.

Pulaski Police Chief Ellery D. Terpening said the cause of the fire has not been determined; results of a chemical report are pending.

"It's still under investigation on our part," Mr. Terpening said.

Mr. White said he was surprised to hear that the cause of the fire had not yet been identified.