BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) — Burlington business owners say they’ve seen lighter traffic, but plenty of support, in the wake of a fire in the downtown shopping district. Doreen Roy owns a home good store, Red Screen Door, and a clothing store, Gypsi, in the city. Roy told The Hawk Eye that she’s cautiously optimistic after a blaze destroyed two historic buildings downtown at the Tama Complex earlier this month. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“I would say traffic is relatively light most days,” Roy said, noting that her businesses are taking a hit because of the lack of easy access after the fire. It’s unclear how long it’ll take for fencing to secure the Tama building after the fire, she said.
But she’s had locals check in on her businesses, Roy said.

“We’re lucky we’re still here,” said Chris Murphy, owner of Burlington by the Book.
Murphy closed his shop for two days after the fire. He keeps a sign outside his business thanking emergency responders for battling the blaze. The damage could’ve been worse and spread, he said. Murphy has also been visited by well-wishers, he said. “I’m getting a lot of support, and there are days when people will come down and say, ‘Are you OK,'” Murphy said.

Cody and Greg Flietner, owners of Big River Popcorn, were planning on moving their business into the Tama Complex before it burned down. Now the Flietners are considering another location downtown that may attract more foot traffic.
“We’re not going to let something like this stop us from growing downtown,” Greg Flietner said.