Photo by Deb Gau Colton Citrowske and Betty Andries of Habitat For Humanity of Redwood River officially received the keys to the former Abra Auto Body & Glass building on East College Drive from Chet Lockwood. The Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Marshall will be moving to the former Abra location this spring.

MARSHALL — The Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Marshall will be moving house this year — and coming to a location on East College Drive. Last week, board members of Habitat For Humanity of Redwood River were officially handed the keys to the former Abra Auto Body & Glass building near the corner of East College Drive and Jewett Street.

“I think the benefit is going to be the visibility to the community,” said Betty Andries, HFH of Redwood River board chairwoman. Being on a major street in Marshall could help encourage people to come to the ReStore, she said.

The ReStore, which is currently located on North U.S. Highway 59 in Marshall, sells new and gently used items like appliances, furniture and building supplies. Profits from the store help support Habitat’s goal to provide affordable housing for area families, Andries said.

HFH of Redwood River officially closed on the former Abra building late last week. The building purchase was made possible with the help of Chet Lockwood, Andries said.

“He’s given us a very generous donation,” she said.

Lockwood Motors had purchased the Abra location back in 2016.

Andries said HFH of Redwood River had been looking for potential new ReStore locations, but hadn’t found the right opportunity until now. She said HFH of Redwood River was thankful to Chet Lockwood and Lockwood Motors for what they were able to do for the organization.

Over the next couple of months, Habitat For Humanity of Redwood River will be working to turn the former auto body building into a home improvement store and donation center, Andries said.

HFH of Redwood River works to help area families into affordable housing.

“We have done everything from building brand-new to refurbishing homes,” Andries said. Families work with HFH to apply for loans, and put in “sweat equity” work on a home.

HFH of Redwood River has helped build or renovate several homes in Lyon County, as well as in Pipestone County. Andries and operations division president Colton Citrowske said this summer, HFH of Redwood River hopes to do some smaller home repair projects in the area, through Habitat’s “A Brush With Kindness” program.

More information on HFH of Redwood River and the ReStore can be found online at the organization’s website, https://hfhmarshall.org.