The Lasalle Avenue Streetscape project reaches its final phase, bringing relief to residents and business owners alike.
After months of traffic delays and street closures, the end is finally in sight for the Lasalle Avenue Streetscape project. The construction, which aimed to revitalize the area by narrowing the street to two lanes, adding bike lanes, and increasing on-street parking, has caused significant challenges for local businesses. As the final phase of construction begins, business owners are hopeful that the reopening of LaSalle Avenue will bring back much-needed foot traffic and boost sales.
Impact on Local Businesses
The ongoing construction has taken a toll on the local business community. Citywide Liquor, a popular liquor store on LaSalle Avenue, has experienced a sharp decline in sales due to the lack of parking and reduced foot traffic. Xayen Bevard, the general manager, estimates a 40% to 50% decrease in sales during the construction period. The wide walk-in traffic that the store once relied on has dwindled, leaving them struggling to attract customers.
Hair Distillery, a salon located on the same street, echoes this sentiment. Owner Christel Aguilar explains that the lack of parking and frequent street closures have affected all businesses in the area. Even convenience stores like 7/11 have faced difficulties in attracting customers due to the challenging travel conditions. Aguilar emphasizes the need for support from the city or state, as some businesses have been forced to close their doors.
Closure of Kodachrome Café
One unfortunate casualty of the construction is Kodachrome, a café neighboring Citywide Liquor. The difficulties caused by the construction made it impossible for the café to serve customers, leading to its closure. Bevard emphasizes the importance of supporting business owners during such projects, suggesting that the city or state should have provided assistance to help them survive.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges faced by businesses, the completion of the Lasalle Avenue Streetscape project brings hope for a brighter future. The final phase, involving repaving and striping from Eddy Street to the St. Joseph River, is expected to be completed next week. This will fully open LaSalle Avenue for the first time in six months, allowing businesses to regain their momentum and attract customers once again.
Conclusion:
The Lasalle Avenue Streetscape project has been a long and arduous journey for both residents and business owners. While the construction has caused significant disruptions and financial losses, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. As LaSalle Avenue reopens, businesses are optimistic about the return of foot traffic and a revival of sales. The lessons learned from this project highlight the need for better support and communication between city officials and local businesses during construction phases. With the completion of the project, the hope is that the revitalized LaSalle Avenue will bring new life to the community and pave the way for a prosperous future.
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