PHARR — Dozens of people gathered near the very spot where just short of a year ago a fire ravaged the longstanding Matt’s Building Materials.
Thursday’s gathering offered hope as ground was broken for the next chapter of the family-owned business.
“It’s been a journey to say the least — a lot of ups and downs, difficulties but blessings are encouraging,” Isaac Smith, co-owner of Matt’s Building Materials said. “It’s been a rollercoaster, up and down all over the place. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. We’re here, and we’re excited about what’s going on and what’s going to happen. We’re excited about the support and encouragement we’re getting.
“It’s been the most stressful time of our lives, but also the most rewarding.”
New Year’s Day will mark one year since the 150,000-square-foot lumberyard located off of Expressway 83 became engulfed in flames. After nearly a year, Matt’s Building Materials is ready to move forward with a new building and a new events center at 404 E. Expressway 83.
“It’s 33,000-square-feet of actual additional retail development and a 10,000-square-foot event center, as well as 55,000-square-feet of retail,” Smith said. “Everything else is brand new. We’re putting a lot of thought and effort into how we’re building it. It’s going to be good for everybody.”
Smith said he anticipates roughly eight to ten months, pending any delays with construction materials, for when the new project will be complete.
“We’re going to push it as fast as we can do it,” Smith said. “Obviously, we need it sooner rather than later.”
Victor Perez, Pharr Economic Development Corporation president/CEO, expressed excitement on behalf of the city of Pharr for the longtime business, which he said has played an integral part of the community and the Rio Grande Valley through its commerce and philanthropic endeavors.
“Matt’s has been here for over 50 years,” Perez said. “They’ve been one of our top sales performers in the city. When this tragedy happened, when it burned down, we were really getting calls from the community and being asked what’s going to happen.”
Perez said the Pharr EDC has been in communication with Matt’s owners throughout the rebuilding process. He is excited about seeing the business not only rebuild, but take that process a step further.
“It’s something very positive coming out of all this,” Perez said. “I congratulate the Smith family. I know the boys are going to be taking over the business. We’ve met in our offices and they’ve shared with me what their plans are, and we’re here to support them.”
Owner Danny Smith described this new chapter in Matt’s history as an opportunity for his three sons to take the reins and make it their own.
“I’m on my way out,” he said. “They’re moving in. Speaking honestly, I think about what I’ve taught them: God, family and country. To me, it’s like we’ve gotten a new deal where they can take the dream and make it their own.”
