After Lyon’s Corner Drug suffered damage when a vehicle crashed into the front of the building in late January, the owners are now navigating the repercussions.

Amanda and Joshua Jones took over the iconic Steamboat Springs pharmacy from the previous its owners, Matt and Kelli Johnson, at the start of last year.

Now, entering their second year of ownership, they’re facing challenges they never anticipated.

“The first year of owning a business is like being in survival mode,” Amanda said. “Going into our second year, this was supposed to be the start of where we could start making better changes to the store. So, this definitely does not help. This was not on our bingo card for 2025.”

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The crash took place around 6:30 a.m. Jan. 21 when a driver experienced a medical emergency while driving on Lincoln Avenue, according to Steamboat Springs police Sgt. Evan Noble.

Noble said the driver was transported to the hospital due to the medical emergency, but no other injuries were reported.

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The damage to the building was extensive, causing the store to close for six days following the crash, according to the owners.

For those six days, the walls were shored up and temporary beams were installed to support the second floor, Amanda said.

After receiving confirmation that it was safe for people to be inside the building, the store re-opened.

Since then, the sidewalk in front of the building has been blocked and the main entrance to the store has been closed. The store continues to operate within its typical hours despite its appearance.

According to Amanda, the crash caused the front wall of the building to move about two feet, which is detrimental to the historic structure.

The building was constructed in 1908 and has housed a pharmacy since 1924. Lyon’s Drug officially opened in 1943.

Construction to repair the damages will begin in August, but the process to start the work has been slowed due to the building’s age and historical significance.

Joshua added that the building owner, Victor Balestra, is planning on adding touch-ups to the exterior of the building, such as new windows and awnings and lighting during the reparation process. 

As for the interior, Amanda and Joshua said they have plans to “freshen up” the space with new flooring and a wall that will divide the pharmacy from the rest of the store.

Throughout the repair process, Amanda and Joshua hope to keep the store open.

In the meantime, Lyon’s Drug is continuing to find ways to mitigate the effects of the damage on day-to-day business.

Not only did the store lose revenue during the six days that it was closed, but the sidewalk also remains closed, causing foot traffic to be redirected during the height of tourist season.

“Losing the sidewalk is kind of detrimental because we look closed,” Amanda said. “People are changing their path through downtown, so they’re not coming by us. It’s been hard.”

For locals interested in supporting the drugstore, Amanda noted that spreading the word that Lyon’s is open is extremely helpful. 

“I’m learning that a lot of locals haven’t been in the store in a couple of years,” she said. “I would love to get the word out so that (locals) come in, give us a try and see the changes we’ve made.”

Amanda added that the store recently implemented a locals’ card system, which allows locals to get a “kiddie-sized” ice cream cone for $1 and a 10% discount at the soda fountain.

Most importantly, Amanda and Joshua stated that transferring prescriptions from big box retailers to Lyon’s pharmacy is the best way to help the business in the long run.

“Transferring prescriptions to our local, independent pharmacy helps ensure Lyon’s will be here 50 years from now,” Joshua said. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to continue the Lyon’s legacy of providing awesome patient care.”