The Greater Bridgman area is poised to welcome a major new retail asset as Ace Hardware prepares to open a location in Lake Charter Township. The store will occupy the former Rite Aid building at the corner of Shawnee and Gast Roads, within the same shopping center as Harding’s Family Friendly Market.
Announced by the Greater Bridgman Chamber & Growth Alliance (BCGA) on December 4, the project will bring a long-requested retail option to area residents while activating a prominent vacant property along a key commercial corridor.
Finding the Right Fit
Following the closure of the Rite Aid, the BCGA engaged early with the property owner to identify a tenant that would both meet community needs and strengthen the local economy. Rather than waiting for a passive market solution, the organization took a deliberate, hands-on approach—seeking an operator with a proven track record, regional roots, and long-term commitment.
That effort led to a connection with longtime Ace Hardware owner Matthew “Chip” Borre, who operated stores in St. Joseph, Stevensville, and Watervliet for more than 40 years. The BCGA, played a central role in facilitating discussions and aligning interests between the property owner and the Borre family.
We are excited to welcome Ace Hardware to the Greater Bridgman area. This project fills an important commercial space and brings a trusted, community-focused retailer to our region. It’s exactly the kind of outcome the CGA model is designed to deliver.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Tragically, Chip Borre passed away shortly after the new Bridgman location was announced. For decades, he was a respected business leader whose stores were known for their service, reliability, and commitment to the communities they served. His entrepreneurial legacy is evident not only in the success of his businesses, but in the relationships he built across Southwest Michigan.
The Bridgman Ace Hardware will move forward in his honor, with his son, Mat Borre, continuing the family business and serving as General Manager across all four Ace Hardware locations. This continuity ensures that Chip Borre’s values—local ownership, customer service, and community investment—remain central to the operation.
Responding to Market Demand
For the Borre family, the Bridgman location reflects both a strategic expansion and a direct response to customer demand. For years, area residents and contractors have expressed interest in having a local hardware option closer to home.
“The Bridgman community has long been on our radar,” Borre previously shared. “We’ve heard from many customers who wanted the convenience of a local Ace in this area, and when this location became available, it felt like the perfect opportunity. We are thrilled to bring our friendly service and helpful expertise to Bridgman and look forward to serving our new neighbors.”
With decades of regional operating experience, the new store is positioned to open with strong operational knowledge, established supplier relationships, and a clear understanding of local market needs.
Proactive Economic Development
This project underscores the value of the CGA model and proactive economic development. By actively managing relationships, maintaining an inventory of available properties, and recruiting the right businesses, the BCGA helps cultivate thoughtful growth in the communities it serves.
In this case, the approach transformed a vacant pharmacy into a high-demand retail anchor with strong brand recognition and long-term stability. It is a clear example of how local leadership, coordination, and strategy can deliver tangible results.
Economic and Community Impact
As a nationally recognized corporation with a nearly century-long history, Ace Hardware brings a proven business model that will generate multiple benefits for the Greater Bridgman area.
For Lake Charter Township, the reuse of the former Rite Aid building returns a vacant property to productive use, reinforcing the shopping center and strengthening the local tax base. The project will create jobs during renovation and will provide skilled retail positions that require product knowledge and customer service expertise. For residents, the store offers convenience and keeps retail spending local. For contractors and tradespeople, it provides a nearby resource that improves efficiency and reduces travel time.
The Borre family has also expressed their commitment to contributing to economic growth in Bridgman and the surrounding area, suggesting potential for community involvement and local partnerships beyond simply operating a retail store.
Looking Ahead
As Greater Bridgman welcomes this new business, it does so while honoring the legacy of Chip Borre and the continued leadership of his family. Renovation and preparation work is expected to begin in the coming months, with doors opening by late April 2026. The transformation will serve as a visible sign of momentum and of what is possible when communities take a proactive approach to growth.
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