OSH store image via Google Earth

Fresno’s newest Ace Hardware store — formerly an Orchard Supply Hardware — should be opening by the end of next week.

A grand opening is slated for July.

Located at 1536 E. Champlain Drive, the Ace Hardware store should eventually create 50 new jobs. It is the second Ace Hardware to open in a former OSH location in the Central Valley after the chain, owned by Lowe’s, closed earlier this year.

The other one is in Visalia, though that store is a independently owned franchise. The Champlain Drive location is owned by Westlake Ace Hardware, which owns and operates 124 Ace stores in 10 states.

Frank Netto is the store’s general manager. He may be a familiar face to return customers, as he worked there when it was an OSH location.

“We are thrilled that Fresno consumers in this area will once again have a neighborhood hardware store. The store is going to be beautiful, and will feature an exciting blend of familiar and new products,” Netto said in a statement.

Netto added, “We look forward to becoming a supportive, active, and helpful part of the Fresno community. Our new and returning customers will see firsthand how we live the Ace Helpful Promise every day by delivering reliable service, helpful advice, and products to help customers get their projects done right.”

The 32,000 square-foot store will sell traditional hardware products such as fasteners, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies. Additionally, it will feature several “store-in-a-store” concepts and departments including a Garden Center, Backyard BBQ department, Tool Shop and Pet Supply.