Washtub gets a make over

The Washtub Laundry on Willis Street recently got a make over. New owners Doug and Chari Wipplinger, who bought the laundromat, just last week began an overhaul of the entire business.

Outside of the business this past week the old cream washer and driers could be seen sitting outside in the parking lot, along with old odds and ends. The smell of old laundry detergent and fabric softener filled the air. Inside, the sound of contractors could be heard measuring out spacing for the brand new appliances. The screech of metal runners filled the place as workers moved the new washers and driers into place.

The Wipplingers replaced the 14 old washers and added an additional four to the number of driers, which originally totaled eight. “Changing out the old washers and driers for all new energy efficient machines... And greater capacity,” said Wipplinger who laughed and added he was going to take the laundromat into “the new age.”

The overhaul was expected to take three days, but it took an extra day to get the place up and running.

Wipplinger explained that he had never owned a laundromat before, and bought the property to keep construction equipment he was going to liquidate from his construction rental company. “A trial by error deal here,” said Wipplinger, as he stood outside the business, talking to a contractor.

“I’ve got Grizzly Security coming in for all the security and ATM, I’ve got Northern Energy working here, Weatherly Electric working here, Williams Duct Work is here, heating and air conditioning guy... Yeah, it’s all local contractors we’re using,” said Wipplinger, as the contractor from Grizzly Security walked by.

Sunday was Wipplinger planned opening day for the public.

Sunday afternoon patrons of the laundromat could be seen using the washers and driers.