Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
How to help United Textiles recover after Bessemer fire
Reading time: 2 minutes
United Textiles, a beloved Bessemer home decor outlet experienced smoke and water damage from a fire next to their downtown storefront. The building next door caught fire on Friday afternoon, July 19th.
Located at 1917 2nd Ave North, the store is home to the South’s largest selection of area rugs. They also specialize in fine fabrics, furniture, decorative lamps and mattresses.
Thank you Bessemer Fire Department
According to Steve McDonough, the owner of United Textiles, thanks to the Bessemer Fire Department, the blaze, which started in a building two doors down did not reach the store.
“They saved our building because it was definitely in the air for a little while, whether or not it was going to catch fire. This building that we’re in is different from most of the downtown buildings because it is built out of all steel and concrete with a sprinkler system, while a lot of the older buildings are wood with no fire mitigation.”
Steve McDonough, owner, United Textiles
The building United Textiles occupies was originally the first satellite Pizitz Department store.
How can you help
It is too early to estimate how long United Textiles will be closed. They are presently using Servpro to remedy the water damage.
Want to know how you can help this local family-owned company that has served downtown Bessemer and the Birmingham metro area since 1984?
McDonough provided us with several ways you can help.
- Follow United Textiles on their Facebook and Instagram for updates
- See something you like online or on their social media — contact the store via email at unitedtextiles1984@gmail.com
The store did have insurance and McDonough is already anxious to schedule a grand re-opening.
Support Bessemer too
While you are in Bessemer supporting United Textiles don’t forget their neighbors, on 2nd Ave.
Including:
Make a day of it. Downtown is full of surprises.
Have you been a customer of United Textiles before? Tell us your favorite memory on social media by tagging us at @bhamnow!
