NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's been just over a week since the Christmas Day bombing that damaged more than 40 buildings. The road to recovery will be a long one.
The Christmas morning bombing has impacted an estimated 400 residents, 1200 employees, and more than 45 businesses.
"I'm just speechless kind of. It's just something you don't wake up to any day," said Pete Gibson, Owner of Pride & Glory Tattoo, "Your small business that you just got through COVID and everything. You don't expect it to happen like this. It's just unreal."
The city says 10 buildings on 2nd avenue were deemed unsafe for use. Seven of them are closed off. This means there is no entry allowed.
Council Member Freddie O'Connell says about a dozen will need significant renovation work or get demolished.
Owner Sandy Lee tells us one of her two stores, Ensemble, is gone. Lee also co-owns $10 Boutique.
She calls it a quirky cool little store, located inside a historic building from the 1800s. Saying goodbye isn't an easy pill to swallow.
"You can't get anything out of Ensemble," Lee said, "It's just a pile of debris."
From when she first heard the news to now, it's been a roller-coaster.
Today she's choosing to focus on the outpouring of support.
"People have been reaching out, this has changed our direction," said Lee, "we are calm and have faith. You can't always choose your path."
Currently 1st and 2nd Avenues North remain closed. 3rd Avenue North and Broadway is open.
The community has banded together to help those affected.
If you want to help the victims of this bombing, Newschannel5 has teamed up with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help.
Gifts can be made to the Nashville Neighbors Fund at www.CFMT.org/neighbors. or by calling The Community Foundation at (615) 321-4939.
To donate to Ensemble's gofundme, click here.
