DaytonDailyNews.com

MONROE — After a $1 million renovation and name change, vendors of fire-damaged booths are starting to move back into the Garver Road flea market this week.

The former Turtle Creek Flea Market — which was severely damaged in a June 12 fire that destroyed half of the 126,000-square-foot facility — has been transformed into Treasure Aisles: The bargain hunter's paradise.

One section of the market opened during the Christmas shopping season, and Greg Dove, president of flea market owner Levin Associates, said Jan. 15 was the first day vendors could begin moving items back into aisle two, which sustained the most smoke damage from the fire.

"We're very pleased with the progress and very pleased with the timetable," he said.

Improvements at the facility include a 14-foot by 48-foot billboard showcasing the market's new name, which will be visible from Interstate 75; and a pirate theme in a brightly colored expanded dining area.

Owners also invested in building safety and security. The interior paint is fire retardant and the fire doors and electrical system have been upgraded.

Other improvements are in the works, Dove said.

"The plan that we had for the market has always been viewed as a plan of continuous improvement and the steps we've taken are just the beginning," he said.

"Prior to the fire, we had agreed on the plan that we're going to move forward and it was going to take several years out. The fire in some ways accelerated the project and in other ways held us back. So we made the best of what we've had."

The market sustained heavy smoke, fire and water damage in the fire, which caused an estimated $2.8 million, he said.

Monroe Fire Chief Mark Neu has said the fire's cause is believed to be electrical.