Nederland businesses displaced by Caribou Village fire to relocate to Black Forest Restaurant as town extends emergency declaration

The Town of Nederland declared a local disaster emergency on Oct. 9 after a fire swept through the Caribou Village shopping center, destroying about 20 businesses and a longtime community hub. The town Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to extend the declaration.

Under the emergency status, Nederland can access emergency funding and request county, state and federal assistance. The Board of Trustees also approved an Emergency Authorization Ordinance, which formalizes town procedures during emergencies.

Ben Myers, representing Tebo Properties, the owner of the Caribou Village building, said the company plans to host a fundraising event at the Black Forest Restaurant on Oct. 25. Proceeds will benefit impacted businesses, their employees and first responders. Myers also said the company aims to rebuild quickly. The Black Forest Restaurant’s construction manager hopes to prepare the building so displaced tenants can temporarily relocate and reopen, Myers said. The building has been vacant for five years and offers about 12,000 square feet of space.

Nederland staff are assisting affected businesses with relocation efforts. The sheriff’s office substation has already moved, and town staff are expediting the assessment of the Nederland Community Center’s west wing to determine if it can be used.

A free community laundry trailer, operated by volunteers and local partners, is now available in town to serve residents and workers who lost access to laundry facilities after the fire destroyed a local laundromat. The town is covering propane costs and plans to pay for water as well.

Train Cars Coffee and Kava reopened last Friday, the day after the fire, and The Market followed on Sunday. The Carousel of Happiness, which sustained only minor damage, will reopen soon, according to a Nederland FAQ last updated Monday.

Investigators and engineers continue to determine the cause of the fire while the building remains structurally unstable, according to the FAQ. For those who want to help, the Town of Nederland encourages residents to support open businesses, donate, volunteer or offer encouragement. The Caribou Room is hosting a benefit event tonight at 6:30 p.m. to raise money for affected employees.