BURLINGTON, Ky. -- When it comes to rebuilding the Rabbit Hash General Store, there's definitely one major priority: Keep the quirks.
The 185-year-old landmark burned earlier this year, but firefighters were able to save the floor and three walls. Architects are already at work drawing up plans, and the town is determined to rebuild.
"I think right after the store burned, I just thought, 'Oh no, this is all going to go away,' but what happened is that the town’s heartbeat just got stronger," Terrie Markesbery said. "It beats so strong now."
Markesbery runs the General Store on behalf of the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, which owns it. She said keeping the store's personality is the goal.
"I have talked with the architect, and I think we all agree having sort of the quirky old building feeling is a real priority for all of us," she said.
There have been a number of fundraisers to help with rebuilding costs, expected to reach about $250,000. Another fundraiser is planned for later this month. A GoFundMe pagehas raised more than $60,000, with Duke Energy donating an additional $25,000.
If all goes to plan, the store should be up and running in two years.
"They don’t want to live on a planet without a Rabbit Hash," Markesbery said of all the supporters. "I don't, you know?"
