Hobby Lobby is set to bring its arts and crafts empire to Ukiah, taking over the former JCPenney building on North Orchard Avenue. The arrival of the national retailer marks a major shift for the shopping district, filling a space left vacant when JCPenney closed in May 2024.
Jesse Davis, Ukiah’s chief planning manager, confirmed that Hobby Lobby submitted a building permit application in mid-February to renovate the property at 205 North Orchard Avenue.
“As part of this comprehensive renovation, accessibility features will be upgraded to meet current standards,” Davis said in a statement. “The building, originally approved in 1978, was home to JCPenney for most of its history, with a short-term seasonal tenant in 2024.”
Davis stated that the city is currently reviewing the plans. The proposed renovations will not expand the building’s footprint but will include “minor modifications to the storefront entry and associated signage.”
“Because the use remains consistent with the Community Commercial zoning district—and no new structure, expansion, or substantial exterior modifications are proposed—the project is proceeding through the standard building permit review process,” Davis explained.
Hobby Lobby’s move is part of a broader wave of retail and dining shifts in Ukiah. Just days before this news broke, it was revealed that Habit Burger, a Southern California-based fast-casual chain, will open in the former Denny’s location.
Hobby Lobby has yet to confirm a projected opening date. We reached out to the company for comment and a timeline but did not receive a response.
I remember when Penny’s was on School St.
Just what we need
Omg. We’re going to hell in a decorative basket.
How so??
Dog of Deviance, Hobby Lobby not only sells the cheapest fabric and home crafts (preying on women’s natural instinct to nest and create the folk art of our material lives) but they are also notorious for swooping up high visibility/close to freeway locations in many towns since 2023. Sewing, like many traditional crafts, is experiencing a sort of revival currently, as are many ‘trad’ trades and hobbies. And hobby lobby will offer fabric. Fabric is VERY limited in our town. There’s the Sewing Village and Walmart, that’s about it.
You see, instead of clothing stores, they want us making our own clothing. There are molds and resins of all kinds to now create your own plastic crap, to become your own factory and factory worker are home. Instead of buying a plastic bunny from China at Walmart, you can now buy the supplies to make your own at home, AND call it a hobby. Wear a prairie dress while you do it. Film it on tic tok, and launch your stay at home side hustle as a new mom.
That’s what hobby lobby represents, that and increased foot traffic and messed up Perkins Street freeway ramps.
Usher in the Golden Age!!
And really, the straw that collapses the camel, they sued the government so they wouldnt have to pay for contraceptives in their healthcare plan. You see, they want women at home, pregnant, and sewing your trousers so they don’t have to trade with chiba anymore. Yay!
What about a new spot for the Hospice Thrift Store?
This is the best news ive heard. This town needs a descent craft store. I thought of target but this is good news so ukiah dont blow it with red tape.
That’s a great idea!!!!!
I guess their lease will finally fill both gaps of both an abandoned JCPenney and Denny’s
At least Jesse Davis is giving us The Habit. Can’t win on every spin.
Good Job! Habit Burger and Hobby Lobby announcement in the same month? Now the town needs to get the soon to be emptied courthouse parcel repurposed…2027 isn’t far away…and this Palace hotel still haunts this town…
I won’t be shopping at Hobby Lobby. I haven’t forgotten the Supreme Court case.
Same
https://www.reckon.news/news/2023/06/what-you-need-to-know-about-hobby-lobby-the-christian-craft-store-funding-the-duggars-bill-gothard-and-iblp.html
Google “why I don’t shop at hobby lobby”. Just passing it along for your information.
Nice to have a business occupying a currently vacant space. There are reasons for not shopping there. Following suggested web searches indicate some aspects of the ownership which might cause many to stay away. I could list a few, but won’t.
Well jeepers Wallace that’s real swell of you!
Yes, Larry. I appreciate your support. When last I referenced specifics on this my comment was moderated out. I won’t even suggest you look them up for yourself. Kindest regards to you.
Ugh. Hobby Lobby? Really?
Here’s a more detailed look at the issues:
Religious Freedom and Contraception:
The company’s owners, the Greens, argued that the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate violated their religious freedom, leading to the landmark Supreme Court case Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. The court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, stating that for-profit corporations could assert religious freedom claims under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). So they refuse to provide contraception and reproductive health care.
Allegations of Discrimination:
Hobby Lobby has faced multiple lawsuits alleging discrimination, including a lawsuit by the EEOC for failing to accommodate a service dog for a part-time clerk with disabilities.
The company has also been criticized for antisemitism, homophobia, LGBTQ discrimination, attempts to evangelize public schools, and endangering employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hobby Lobby provides financial support for organizations that promote anti-LGBTQ+ agendas and conversion therapy.
Christian Nationalism: Hobby Lobby’s owners have been accused of promoting Christian nationalism, seeking to reshape democracy into a Christian version of the Taliban.
Illegally Smuggled Artifacts:
Hobby Lobby was involved in a scandal involving the illegal smuggling of ancient artifacts into the US, leading to the seizure of an ancient tablet by the DOJ. The artifacts were purchased from an ISIS backed group, meaning they literally funded terrorists.
I don’t want this company doing business here, and I will boycott this business and encourage others to do so also.
You have the magic poster touch! Thanks for your contribution.
Yeah go burn a Tesla dealership, we hear you and the ither smelly drugged up lazy hairy legged hippies. You gots cruddability big time.
Drug addled libs boycotting a great store? Lol…you droolers should worry more bout your NORMAL citizens who will laugh as you are murdered by people you let in this country or refused to imprison here. Those of us who can provide Deadly Force are under no obligation to save your welfare butts, lol.