Robert Sorenson, the owner of Bobby Beads in Minneapolis, watches as construction crews work on a crucial corridor for dozens of Uptown businesses. He notes that this is the first time he has experienced a reconstruction project of this intensity. Despite his initial fears, the impact on his business has not been as bad as he thought it would be. In fact, the store has received more customers than expected, which is a positive outcome.
However, customers have mentioned that they had to walk several blocks to get to the store due to road closures. Next door at La Bodega Taco Bar, owner Alex Rosario shares that sales are half of what they were before construction began. Delivery drivers also cancel orders due to the difficulty of navigating the construction zone. Rosario expresses concerns about how this will affect businesses in Uptown.
On the other hand, at Uncommon Grounds Coffee House, owner Dale Lee mentions that their business has been steady despite the construction. The hours have changed for customers, but overall, the impact has not been significant. Lee sees the construction as a short-term inconvenience for long-term benefits for the neighborhood.
Lee believes that once the project is completed, the area will look modern and attractive, enhancing the overall properties in the neighborhood. This is just the beginning phase of the project, with construction set to continue to