If you’ve lived in Nevada County for more than a minute, you’ve definitely seen the massive sprawl of the Fowler Center. It’s a local landmark. But honestly, there is a weird bit of confusion that still floats around the checkout counters and local Facebook groups. People still call it B&C True Value Grass Valley.
Is that wrong? Well, technically, yeah.
Since 2018, the store has been part of the Ace Hardware cooperative. But habits die hard in a town that remembers when the Fowler family ran an actual sawmill on this exact dirt. Calling it "True Value" is almost a badge of honor now—a sign that you’ve been here long enough to remember the 1990 expansion or the days before the big-box giants tried to muscle into the foothills.
The Sawmill Roots and the 1940 Gamble
Most hardware stores are just boxes filled with hammers. B&C is different because it started as a literal forest-to-frame operation. Leland and Faye Fowler didn't just open a shop; they built the first all-electric sawmill in Nevada County back in 1940. Think about that for a second. While the rest of the world was gearing up for war, they were betting on the future of Grass Valley's timber.
During World War II, this place wasn't just selling garden hoses. They were cranking out lumber to build Camp Beale—which you now know as Beale Air Force Base. They were shipping crating materials overseas for the military. This isn't just corporate history; it’s the actual backbone of how the region developed.
Why Everyone Still Says "B&C True Value"
In 1977, the Fowlers joined the Cotter & Company cooperative, which most of us knew as True Value. For over 40 years, that red-and-white branding was the face of the business. It saw them through the 1990 move into the 41,000-square-foot mega-center we see today.
So, when they swapped the sign to Ace in 2018, it felt like a glitch in the matrix for locals.
Why did they switch? It wasn't because the store was failing. Far from it. The move to Ace allowed them to bring in brands like Benjamin Moore, Stihl, and Traeger that the old True Value supply chain struggled to prioritize. But the "True Value" name stuck in the local lexicon like sap on a pine cone.
It’s Not Just a Hardware Store, It’s a Logistical Hub
If you’ve ever tried to load 50 bags of mulch into a Honda Civic, you know the struggle. B&C is one of the few places left where the "drive-thru" lumber yard actually makes sense.
🔗 Read more: Fraud In A Sentence: How One Line Can Cost You Millions
- The Lumber Yard: They carry redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated timber that actually holds up to the Sierra winters.
- The Nursery: It’s basically a botanical garden disguised as a retail space. They stock plants that won't immediately die the first time the temperature drops to 25 degrees.
- Assembly and Delivery: They’ll actually put your grill together for you. If you’ve ever spent four hours swearing at a Weber instruction manual, you know that’s worth its weight in gold.
The "Local" Factor vs. The Big Box
Look, Home Depot is fine if you want to be a number. But B&C is still run by the Fowlers. Greg Fowler and the team are actually there. When you walk in, you’re likely to run into someone who knows exactly which part of the Ridge you live on and why your well pump is acting up.
They also put their money where their mouth is. They’ve been supporting Nevada County Habitat for Humanity for decades. They offer a 10% military discount that isn't buried under a mountain of red tape. It’s the kind of business that sponsors the "Street of Dreams" and local Little League teams because they actually live here.
What You Should Actually Know Before You Go
If you’re heading down to the Fowler Center, there are a few pro tips that only regulars really know.
First, the hours are pretty consistent: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM most days, but they close slightly earlier on Sundays (5:00 PM). Don't show up at 5:55 PM expecting to browse the entire nursery; the staff is hardworking, but they want to go home too.
🔗 Read more: Jan Hansen Las Vegas: What Really Happened Behind the Business Headlines
Second, use the app. Even though the sign says Ace, the inventory system is top-notch. You can check if they have that specific galvanized pipe fitting before you drive down from North San Juan. It saves you the heartbreak of a wasted trip.
The Practical Reality of Shopping B&C Today
Whether you call it B&C True Value or B&C Ace, the reality is the same: it’s the most reliable source for home improvement in the tri-city area. They survived the sawmill days, two massive fires (1963 and 1967), and the arrival of national chains.
They aren't just selling "stuff." They’re selling the expertise of people who have been through the 49er Fire, the Snowmageddon of 2021, and every drought in between.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Project:
- Check the "True Value" inventory online first: Since they transitioned to the Ace network, their online "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS) system is incredibly fast. Usually, your order is ready in under two hours.
- Ask for Rick or Barbara: If you're doing a major seasonal prep—like winterizing your pipes or setting up a new irrigation system—look for the long-term staff. Their institutional knowledge of Nevada County soil and weather is better than any Google search.
- Utilize the Drive-Thru: If you have a truck, don't park in the main lot for heavy items. Use the dedicated material loading area to save your back and your time.
- Join the Rewards Program: Seriously. Since they are an Ace affiliate now, the coupons are actually aggressive. You’ll get $5 or $10 off just for being a regular, which covers the cost of those extra bags of birdseed you know you're going to buy anyway.
Next time you’re driving down Nevada City Highway and you see the Fowler Center, remember you’re looking at a 80-plus year legacy. It doesn't matter what the sign says as much as who is standing behind the counter.