Park Hardware Moving, Expanding

One family's decision to take their business out of Plainfield has created an opportunity for another family business to expand.

Luis Cardona, left; Jhon Cardona, right
Williams Surgical shutttered its Park Avenue store at the end of May, citing adverse conditions at Park & Seventh and also a desire to change their business model to stair lift sales only. Meanwhile, the Cardona family was enjoying a surge of interest since modernizing Park Hardware and expanding offerings to equipment rentals and vinyl window installation. When the former Williams Surgical showroom at 627 Park Avenue became vacant, the family saw a chance to triple its space and add building supplies such as concrete and lumber that don't fit in their current location.

"The space was pivotal for that reason," Manager Jhon Cardona said.

Cardona explained that after the family acquired the hardware store, they added much more merchandise for both homeowners and contractors, but found the space "a little tight." The new location a few doors south will also provide more parking and storage.

The Cardona family also brought a new dimension to the hardware store, operated for 30 years by the Borchers family, in that they can welcome Spanish speakers in their own language. According to the 2010 Census, Plainfield's population is now 40 percent Hispanic, up from 25 percent in 2000.

The Cardonas expect to make the move by late August.

Jhon Cardona said he grew up in Plainfield.

"It's been good," he said. "We love this town."

The family's goal, he said, is to "become a landmark" in the growth of construction that he sees.

"Business is popping," with renovations of homes and rental properties, he said. "The population is growing."

Related posts: New Owners, New Service at Park Hardware

--Bernice