KELSEYVILLE — A third generation family-owned lumber yard is preparing for a big move down the street to a facility more than 50 times its current size. Mark Borghesani”s grandparents opened Kelseyville Lumber in 1956, and over the decades, the business outgrew its 1,500-square foot and 3-acre Main Street location.
Five years ago, Borghesani bought 17 acres just outside downtown Kelseyville, at the intersection of North Main Street and Merritt Road. He had it re-zoned to commercial land and construction on a 120,000-square-foot facility began this year. The store will open in November or December, Borghesani said.
“Business is good, but the recession is tough. Fortunately, we”re moving forward in the down time while it”s cheaper to build,” Borghesani said.
He said once Kelseyville Lumber is in its new home, the 70-employees will gradually grow to 100.
While Piedmont Lumber and Mendo Mill are competitors, and have both expanded services in recent years, Kelseyville Lumber”s goal is to compete primarily with Home Depot and Friedman Brothers Home Improvement in Ukiah and Santa Rosa.
But that will take changing the mind-set of some area residents who almost without a thought hop into the car to drive over the hill when they need to shop for a home improvement project.
“I think the county and Supervisors are certainly for Main Street and hometown businesses,” Borghesani said. He thinks Home Depot and Friedman Brothers are “Wall Street business ? where the profits go straight to Wall Street. Our profits stay on Main Street, support little league and support the community.”
He thinks there will be enough business in the county to support the various lumber yard and home improvement facilities around the lake.
The current facility will likely go on the market within the next six months, and Borghesani received a letter from an interested buyer Tuesday.
“Everybody”s looking at Kelseyville as an investment. We”re getting more and more development and extending Main Street. You”ll be able to see the new Kelseyville Lumber from the highway,” Borghesani said.
The new lumberyard will host a full nursery and offer tool rental, door and window treatments, a home improvement showroom, cabinetry, sinks and faucets, lighting and seasonal products. Store hours will be extended.
“One of our strengths is our deep employment core. I have employees who have been with me for 20 years or more. We”ll have great employment quarters ? we want to be an employer of choice,” Borghesani said.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com
