A new Ace Hardware store will open today at 617 W. State St. in Geneva.

George Havlicek said customers can expect to see a lot of familiar faces, as he said he is bringing back some who previously worked at the Geneva Ace Hardware. Havlicek and his wife, Lynn, will be the store's owners.

Havlicek said the building has been completely remodeled "top to bottom." He said there are new light fixtures, shelving and polished concrete floors.

"We redid the entire place," he said.

The previous owners moved the store to St. Charles last year, and that store was closed in August.

Havlicek has big plans for a grand opening in April – with special guests, giveaways and activities. There are plans for a full working kitchen, so cooking demonstrations are possible. He said aisles will be wider, and it will be "very lit up" with a look that is "very clean, very crisp." And he said he will be "bringing back the popcorn" served at the store.

"There are a lot of expectations," Havlicek said, adding that he is excited to "bring Ace back to Geneva." He said both his general manager, Rob Livingston, and operational manager, Rob Falls, are from Geneva.

"There will be a lot of excitement," Havlicek said.

Geneva Ace Hardware

What: Opening its doors at 7 a.m. today
Address: 617 W. State St., Geneva
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday