A three-member panel of the Churubusco Planning Commission Review Board Thursday approved unanimously the construction of a new hardware and lumber store in Churubusco.

Owner of the store, J.R. Ford, said there are still several business details to finalize before he can break ground. The new store - Eagle Lumber & Hardware or Eagle Do It Best - will be located in close proximity to the site of the old Churubusco Woodworking Company, owned by J.R. Ford’s father, the late John Ford. The site, on U.S. 33 just south of Churubusco, currently also houses a Dollar General store.

Ford said his new store will be located just behind the old satellite television storefront, to the north of Dollar General.

If he gets state approval this week, construction could be completed and the store could open its doors by January 1, 2009, Ford said.