Nearly 1 Year After Blaze, Crews Start Roy's Rebuild (PHOTOS)

For Roy's furniture, a May 29 fire was only the first in a series of hurdles.

The rest came during the 10 month period that followed, company representatives said on Friday. They faced the expected insurance negotiations and crucial design decisions but most notably, a litany of Chicago building permit delays.

"We just broke ground about two weeks ago," said Roy's Spokeswoman Johanna Parra. "We think from here, we're just moving on up. Everyone is getting excited for the new store."

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The company is officially in the process of rebuilding its facility at 2455 N. Sheffield Ave. The extra-alarm May fire burned its Lincoln Park two-story store to the ground. Workers were supposed to break ground on a new store—a modern, glass replacement—last August. Parra says owners now hope to open the doors again this coming June.

"We lost everything. The estimated cost of damage was more than $1 million," she said in October, noting that her car was among the fire debris. "They're saying it was caused by gas leaks but they haven't really confirmed anything. It all happened so fast."

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In the days and months following the blaze, Roy's has maintained a presence in the community despite operating from a temporary showroom in its furniture warehouse at 2315 W. 27th St.

Representatives are currently offering a 10 percent discount to anyone who mentions the "Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce," Parra said, citing a partnership.