A series of burst sprinkler pipes during last week’s below-freezing temperatures caused significant water damage at Dublin Town Center in Dublin Borough, forcing temporary closures of a few businesses and leaving at least one facing a full rebuild.
Dublin Town Center officials said Monday, Feb. 9 that a sprinkler pipe burst at The Square at Dublin Town Center, 123 N. Main St., causing water intrusion into some tenant spaces. While there was no structural collapse, management said the impacted section of the building was temporarily closed “out of concern for the safety of tenants and guests” as cleanup and restoration began.
Firefighters initially responded to reports of a building collapse and discovered a partial ceiling collapse at Bucks County Arts and Dance Studio caused by the burst sprinkler pipe.
Pineapple on Main hit twice
Among the businesses impacted were Manes on Main and Pineapple on Main, a children’s boutique located at The Square. Store owner Kathy Safi, in social media updates, said a pipe burst in the space above the store earlier in the week, sending water through the ceiling and forcing immediate closure.
Days later, a second pipe burst in another section above the store, again sending water into the space.
“This time, I stood inside and watched as water moved through the space, realizing we were no longer talking about repairs — we were facing a full rebuild,” she wrote in a Sunday update on the store's Facebook account.
The damage includes ceiling removal, fixtures, displays and portions of inventory built over six years, according to the owner. The store remains closed while restoration continues, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with rebuilding costs during what the owner described as one of the slowest retail seasons of the year.
In five days, the GoFundMe for Safi's store raised $10,835 toward the $11,000 goal. The fundraiser was started by Dublin resident and shopper Sarah Stevens.
"Our hearts are with Pineapple on Main, a beloved small business in Dublin, after water damage forced them to close their doors for an undetermined amount of time. Many of you may have seen recent news stories about the flooding and water damage impacting the Dublin Town Center — and sadly, Pineapple on Main was directly affected," Stevens wrote in the GoFundMe launch.
"This shop is so much more than a storefront. It’s a place filled with creativity, kindness, and community — all thanks to its owner, Kathy, who is remarkably generous, supportive, and always willing to give back to others and the community," Stevens wrote. "For a small business, an unexpected closure like this is devastating. Ongoing expenses don’t stop just because the doors are closed, and recovery from water damage can take weeks or months. Every day closed is a significant financial hit, and for small businesses, that impact can be incredibly hard to absorb."
Stevens said that POM, as it is known to its fans, values the importance of small business in the community.
"No amount is too small — every contribution helps bridge the gap while repairs are made and the shop works toward reopening." Stevens said. "Let’s rally around Kathy and help Pineapple on Main come back stronger. Supporting small businesses means supporting the heart of our town."
Safi wrote in a recent update that she did not know where to begin, except with thank you.
“The generosity, the messages, the prayers, the encouragement...every single act of kindness has wrapped around me in a way I can’t fully put into words. I never imagined I would be on this end of a GoFundMe, and I am so incredibly grateful to Sarah for starting this and to each of you who has given, shared, or simply lifted Pineapple on Main up in prayer,” she wrote. “This fundraiser was created right after the first pipe burst, and seeing your support come in brought an immediate sense of relief and comfort.”
Safi wrote that she never imagined she would be starting POM over from scratch – but knowing she does not have to face it alone changes everything.
“Please know that your support is helping in the most real and tangible ways. And beyond the financial help, the love behind it has made something devastating feel surrounded by hope,” Safi said.
In a separate Facebook update, Safi wrote: "It’s a daunting moment. But somehow, it also feels filled with light, all because of you. Every prayer, every message, every offer to help, every donation. They have wrapped our family and this little store in more love than I knew was possible. I am deeply humbled. Truly. And more grateful than I could ever put into words."
Other businesses reopen
Other tenants at The Square reported more limited impacts.
Bucks County Arts and Dance Studio confirmed it sustained water damage from the initial sprinkler failure but reopened last week, operating temporarily with one studio while repairs continue.
“Last week was a whirlwind but we are back in action,” the studio posted, thanking first responders, building management and families for their support.
Manes on Main was affected for a few days, but reopened last week.
Dublin Town Center officials said the remainder of the property remains open and safe. Management is working with the building inspector, restoration professionals and insurance partners to address the affected areas.
Business community impacted
The Shops at The Square include The Boiler Room, Farm to Toast Wellness Café, Pineapple on Main, Sprig Dessert Bakery, Bucks & Co., Bori Collective Handcrafted Goods and Ella G Boutique. Office tenants and health and wellness businesses also operate on the property.
Dublin Town Center management thanked the Dublin Fire Company, Dublin Police and other first responders for their quick response.
Cleanup and rebuilding efforts are ongoing.
The Shops at The Square at Dublin Town Center include The Boiler Room, Farm to Toast Wellness Café, Pineapple on Main, Sprig Dessert Bakery, Bucks & Co., Bori Collective Handcrafted Goods, and new addition Ella G Boutique
The Offices at The Square include Simple Tech, Five Star Travel Group, Millennium Tax Services, OnClick Inc., Robert E. Fravel, Esq., The Myers-Briggs Company, Young Life Upper Bucks, The Center Consulting Group, Village Publishing, and Summit Investment Advisory Group
Health & wellness businesses at The Square include Bucks County Arts and Dance, Manes on Main, Curves, and Maximum Impact Karate.
