 Ace Hardware
Phoenix, AZ
Photos and info courtesy Elgin MacMillan
 According to the 4th generation owner of the Ace Hardware business at 2242 N 24TH St in Phoenix, AZ, the store was originally located
at 32nd St and Thomas and owned by his great grandfather who didn't want
to rent any more so he built this location and sign (24th St & Oak)
in the early 60's. It used to be called "Lubos Hardware" and
the sign had "Lobos" in vertical lettering and the words
"hardware" running across the bottom.
 According to a long time employee, the sign was originally translucent
lexan and was back lit until a storm blew it apart in the 1990's. Because
of the sign's historical value the City of Phoenix allowed them to keep
the sign as long as they repaired it within a given amount of time. As
the City offered no financial assistance, it had to be replaced with sheet
metal for economical reasons. The marquee part of the sign is now the
only part that lights up.
On an interesting side note, the down stairway and basement of the house
that used to sit on this corner are still under the building but was filled
in with dirt to create a solid foundation for the new 60's construction.
The family also owns the Ace Hardware located at: 5545 N 7th St in Phoenix,
off Missouri. The 7th Street and Missouri area used to be called "Cinema
Park" (was an area of theatres).
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