Nubian Square business owners are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that destroyed the Edison building in Roxbury earlier this week. Local business owner Janet Benzen expressed the emotional toll of the loss, highlighting the uncertainty for her longtime customers.
The Boston Fire Department responded to a six-alarm fire at the building on Warren Street, which housed multiple businesses. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but every business within the two-story structure was lost, including Benzen’s professional services operation, which had served the community for over 40 years.
Another business owner, Darlin Vasque, described the difficulty of coping with the total loss of his Handyman Team Boston, which he had run for three and a half years. The Edison Building has been a cornerstone for the Roxbury community for decades, providing essential goods and services.
To assist those affected, the city of Boston’s Small Business Development office, along with Roxbury Main Streets, is working to find temporary locations for these businesses. Roxbury Main Streets Executive Director Robert George noted that there are available spaces in Nubian Square.
Currently, the impacted businesses are closed, but a fundraiser is planned for October 16 to support their recovery. Benzen, expressing gratitude for the community’s support, emphasized the importance of coming together in challenging times.
