NEDERLAND, Colo. (KDVR) — More than a dozen businesses remain unable to reopen in Nederland after a massive fire destroyed a local shopping plaza in October. As the building’s owner faces the challenge of rebuilding, community members are continuing to raise money for the businesses that were impacted.
On Saturday, dozens of people flocked to a block party in town, raising money for the town to the scene of live local bands and food trucks.
On Oct. 9, the Caribou Village Shopping Center caught fire, burning down the home of 18 local businesses and displacing nearly 80 employees. Locals refer to the building as the heart of Nederland.
“It was like the last place in Boulder County where you just have all small businesses trying to live their dreams,” said Ben Myers, who helped organize a community fundraiser.
But the flames couldn’t burn out the community’s determination to rebuild.
“That spirit, that heart, is something no fire can destroy,” said Stephen Tebo, who owns the Caribou Shopping Center.
Tebo told the crowd at the fundraiser Saturday that he plans to rebuild the plaza and make room for every business the building once housed.
“The road ahead will not be easy, but with this community behind us I have no doubt we will come back stronger than ever,” Tebo said.
Tebo and his real estate team hosted the free block party to serve as a fundraiser for the Boulder County Community Foundation. That money will then be distributed to the town of Nederland, which will allocate funds towards fire recovery efforts.
“Communities, when the chips are down, really tend to come together,” said resident Holly Widdowfield. “I mean, we argue, we complain, everything. But when the chips are down, people come together.”
To support Nederland’s recovery efforts, visit the Boulder County Community Foundation website for donation information.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
