When construction comes downtown, the impact on local businesses can be overwhelming. But with careful planning and action — such as clear signage, maintained pedestrian access, communication with business owners, and scheduling work to minimize disruption — communities can protect the economic health of local businesses and the downtown overall.
Around the country, local governments, downtown organizations, and business leaders are meeting the challenges of construction projects with a wide range of actions and programs.
For example, in downtown State College, PA, the $2.4 million Calder Way Project is replacing century-old utility infrastructure (sewer, water, gas, electric) while creating a safer, more accessible, and revitalized city center.
To keep the downtown active during phase two of the project, children and their adults were invited downtown for the Calder Way Construction Crawl.
In addition to getting a first-hand view of the construction, children received a free hard hat then collected stickers from participating businesses to earn a free activity book. Accompanying adults could also enter to win a $150 downtown gift card in a monthly raffle.
More on coping with construction appears in the April issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.
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