-- This story was originally published Oct. 29. This update corrects the location of the original Friday Harbor Hardware in fifth paragraph.

Crowds thronged Friday Harbor Ace Hardware Wednesday to take advantage of a sale of 50 percent off all items.

The building and land, formerly owned by J. Phillip Miller, was purchased at auction Oct. 9 by Lynn Danaher and David Moorhouse. The owners of the Ace Hardware in Anacortes are negotiating with Danaher and Moorhouse for a lease for the Friday Harbor site.

In an earlier interview, Danaher said she expects the new Ace Hardware will employ more people and have a better product inventory.

“It’ll be better stocked and with an inventory that’s much improved,” Danaher said. “It’s going to be a far better store — no ifs, ands or buts about it.”

Miller bought Ace Hardware on Spring Street from the Nash brothers, Al, Kenneth and Charles, in 1978. He moved it to its current site in 1995.

Danaher is owner of Carter House and Churchill House, both of which are located on Argyle Avenue, about two blocks west of Ace Hardware. Both are remodeled and refurbished historic homes that today are home to an assortment of businesses.

Moorhouse formerly owned Petro San Juan, which he sold in 2000. He owns investment property in Friday Harbor — among his holdings are the Little Store property and the Big Store property.

In addition to establishing an improved hardware store on the ground floor, Danaher said roughly 4,500 square feet on the second floor, which is unfinished, will be improved and possibly converted into potential office space or apartments.