SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nearly a year after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed key businesses in Swannanoa, one of the community’s biggest needs is on its way back.

Peter and Beth Ballhaussen, owners of Town Hardware and General Store in Black Mountain, announced plans Saturday to open a new hardware store in Swannanoa’s Beacon Village. The store will be located at 119 Alexander Place, in an area hit hard by flooding from the Swannanoa River.

For residents, the return of a hardware store marks progress in restoring services lost during the storm. Community members have long pointed to three major needs since the disaster: a grocery store, a post office and a hardware store. A local couple recently announced plans to open a grocery store offering fresh produce, meat, dairy and pantry staples.

The Ballhaussens said they want to help Swannanoa recover and grow.

“When we looked at Swannanoa, we wanted to be a part of its revitalization,” Peter Ballhaussen said in a statement. “We wanted to give something back to this community.”

The couple said they expect the store to open in the coming months.

“Town Hardware has always been more than just a store,” Beth Ballhaussen said. “It’s been a place where neighbors help neighbors. We’re honored to become part of Swannanoa’s story and to help Beacon Village grow again.”