I don't typically update a review in the short span of a year, but I've decided to do so in the…read morecase of this Midtown location of Benge's Ace Hardware at 39th and Meridian Street.
As I noted previously, this is the spot that previously housed Happy Brewery. It was an interesting concept that really never really caught on here. I'm a fan of the Ace Hardware chain - they do a lot more than people realize, and they're a nice blending together of chain perks with a local vibe.
Benge's also owns locations in Westfield, Carmel, Greenwood, a couple down south, and my beloved location at the former Arlington Theatre (with marquee still intact).
One of my first big fundraising events was at the Arlington - I still miss the place.
I first reviewed Benge's during their grand opening week. It was day two. Benge's carries the usual hardware store variety of items - tools, paint/supplies, lawn/garden, heating/cooling, home/decor, building supplies, hardware, grills/smokers, storage, plumbing, lighting/electrical, and even a bit of automotive type stuff. They also carry a surprising amount of bird seed and other items.
My most recent visit found me interested because I'd had a mishap with my car's key fob. As anyone who's had a mishap with the key fob knows, it's more challenging than simply getting a key cut and also more expensive. Ugh.
Surprisingly, a good majority of Ace locations has this service. They also tend to be somewhat reasonably priced - significantly lower than a car dealer, lower than a locksmith, and in the ballpark of Batteries+ (another surprising location that will do it).
Because I was in kind of a weird situation, I spent more time here than expected and I really got to see them work.
This is an undeniably urban location in the immediate vicinity of a youth center, a very popular park, a church, and a high residential area. I was impressed with the employees I met here, though they ended up not being able to replace my key fob that day. Then manager, Josh, went above and beyond to help make my existing key fob functional until I could replace it. His relatively quick fix has lasted five days, and it should make it until my new one does come in. I was super impressed.
In addition to being a large space, there are actually two floors here. They also do have an elevator in the space for those with mobility issues and/or heavy items. They are observant yet respectful of the kids who come in (let's be honest, their slide to the second floor was destined to attract kids). They also typically have popcorn out, which can draw the kids (they do set respectful limits).
They do have accessible parking, and Ace as a chain leans toward disability friendly. They also tend to have a nice diversity of employees across their chain.
When a business gets to its one year mark, they've either gotten the kinks worked out or are showing signs of wear. I think Ace has become a valued neighbor here, and my most recent visit shows that they've even managed to improve. I was really impressed with my treatment here, and there's no question I'll return.
In terms of the key fob, while it's a chain-wide service there are locations that don't have it. My closer location to my home, Allisonville, offered it but that employee left (as it is a skill) and they don't currently. So, if that's your need I'd recommend calling to make sure. Right now, this location does offer it and went out of the way to make my situation better.
