DALTON GARDENS - The owner of Helmet Outlet USA said Wednesday the store would be open within the next three months, following a fire that destroyed the business in early March.

"I think we made it through the hardest part," said Michael Murphy, of Hayden. Helmet Outlet was open for 13 years.

He said the new building will be 8,300 square feet, similar to the previous building and at the same location, 5648 N. Government Way. Murphy also owns the property.

Creekside Construction and Restoration, in Hayden, is the general contractor. Designer Homes Interiors, of Dalton Gardens, also was contracted for the project, he said.

"It's going to be more open and have a lot more retail space," he said.

He declined to say what it will cost to rebuild.

By the time it's reopened, he said, there will be a new five-lane version of Government Way.

"There's going to be a lot more exposure when it's all said and done," he said.

The building will be a stick-frame structure with siding, compared with the metal-sided pole barn structure that burned in March 2.

"It's be a little bit more up to code," he said.

He said he plans to open with eight employees. He previously operated with between eight to 10 employees.

Until it's reopened, he said, customers can still order products from the Helmet Outlet's website, www.helmetoutletusa.com.

When the fire destroyed the business, Murphy estimated the loss would exceed $750,000. The fire was ruled arson. Authorities said Wednesday the investigation remains active.

The fire also destroyed the Kirby vacuum business, which was located in the same building. The Kirby business has moved to a different Government Way location.

"We lost a tenant there," Murphy said. "But it will allow us to have more space."