Monstera's Books, Overland Park, Kan., which suffered smoke and water damage on August 14 from an electrical fire that started at the restaurant next door, shared an update on the bookstore's rebuilding progress. Although the firefighters were able to put out the fire quickly and saved the building, Monstera's was layered with soot and ash from the fire, its inventory ruined, and toxic smoke fumes got into personal belongings and electronics. In addition, firefighters had to break through the front and back doors to put out the fire.
In an update on the store's blog, co-owner Justin Wieners wrote that the bookstore has been closed since then. They had to wait initially for the building to be inspected and, a few days later, were able to return, with some precautions.
After cleaning out the inventory and equipment, disposing of everything that couldn't be salvaged, they moved what they could from the store to their house, "filling the garage, driveway, and back patio," Wieners noted. "We are slowly getting things cleaned and ready to use again, with the help of several people who have generously offered their time, skills, or garages for storage. That's one of the bright spots--so many people have pitched in, and most of them are people we only met because we opened this bookstore. Your world opens up quite a bit when you put yourself out there." Monstera's is still receiving new book shipments, and on August 23 hosted its first outdoor popup, with more planned.
The bookstore will reopen, though they do not have an exact timeline yet because several parties are involved (landlord, insurance, etc.). They are starting repairs next week. "It's important to us that we open before the holidays, so that is the main goal," Wieners wrote. "To get back open, our building must be cleaned and the fumes mitigated, drywall and flooring needs replaced (checkered floors, of course), we need new front and back doors, the ceiling in our storage room needs repaired, and I'm probably missing quite a few items on the checklist. But we are not afraid of hard work, and we will figure out how to get it done.
"The first time we did this, we didn't know if it would even work.... But we've learned a lot, and things will fall into place faster than they did two years ago. This time, we know what kinds of books our neighbors love. We've made wonderful new friends who are waiting (very impatiently!) to help us put the shop back together. This time, we have a wonderful staff who will help stock shelves and be there to say 'hello' at our grand re-opening."
Monstera's opened in March 2024, at 7930 Floyd St. in downtown Overland Park.