RANCHO CORDOVA — One of Rancho Cordova’s most recognizable roadside landmarks was damaged early Saturday morning after a vehicle veered off Highway 50 and crashed into the property of Naturwood Home Furnishings, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The single-vehicle crash was reported around 3:30 a.m. when a driver traveling along the freeway left the roadway, plowed through approximately 75 feet of chain-link fencing and struck the store’s iconic wooden waterwheel before the vehicle overturned. The vehicle came to rest on its engine block that became separated from the vehicle during the violent collision.
The driver suffered major injuries and was transported for medical treatment and faces charges of driving under the influence.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway and traversed through the chain link fencing, slid sideways at that high rate of speed through the west parking lot of Naturwood Furniture before colliding into the iconic water wheel, “ the California Highway Patrol said in a statement. “The 23-year old driver is lucky to be alive, although, he did sustain critical injuries. The engine block of the vehicle was displaced and found under the vehicle. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and he was released to the hospital due to the extent of his injuries.”
The impact left visible damage to the towering wooden structure that has stood as a fixture along Folsom Boulevard for more than four decades. The waterwheel, which is fully functional and accompanied by the sound of running water, has flanked the side of the two-story showroom since the store opened in October 1984. The collision also caused damage to an entry area window on the structure.
When Naturwood unveiled its 38,000-square-foot building that year, the immense waterwheel was incorporated into the original architectural design, quickly becoming a signature element of the family-owned furniture store. Generations of residents and commuters have come to associate the spinning wheel with the longtime Rancho Cordova business, making it one of the city’s most familiar commercial landmarks.
Located at 12125 Folsom Blvd., the showroom has remained a prominent presence in the corridor since its debut, with the massive wooden wheel serving both as a decorative focal point and a symbol of the store’s identity.
After the accident, Naturwood also shared a statement with concern for the crash victim first and formost.
“We were grateful, when the CHP notified us that the driver is expected to survive the devastating crash. Our Naturwood family hopes and prays that his recovery will be complete and speedy,” the company shared. “Unfortunately, it will take a very long time before our beloved waterwheel turns once again. However, we are thankful that we still have the original construction blueprints from over 40 years ago. Thank you to all who have expressed concerns and kindness.”
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