South Suburban Bike Shop Destroyed In Fire
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A longtime business fixture in southwest suburban Countryside was gutted by fire Wednesday night.
Terry's Byke Haus has been around for 46 years, according to its website. Area resident Darlene Roncskevitz called the store "a landmark in Countryside," especially because of the large gorilla doll that stood facing 55th Street, waving at passing motorists.
"The gorilla was always dressed up for whatever season it was," she said.
Many others in the neighborhood also stopped by on Thursday. Jackie Wilkinson took some pictures for her kids. She called it "so sad" that Terry's has been so badly damaged. She said she's bought a few bikes at the store, and would tell her children to take their bikes to Terry's to be fixed each spring.
"He's been such a part of this community forever," she said.
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Wendy Alcanter was shocked when she stopped by. She said she had received a call on Wednesday to come to the shop to pick up the bike she had brought in for repairs.
"What?! You're kidding me! Oh, my goodness!" was all Alcanter could say, at first, when told there'd been a fire.
She said her heart goes out to the owner.
Ed Collins stared at the ruins as he talked about his plans to visit the shop Thursday to look at some of the vintage bicycles that had been on display.
Fire officials said people who lived in the apartments over the bike shop got out safely.
