Ongoing construction in the 16th Street Mall area is causing significant challenges for businesses located there. One such business owner, Jayanth Sashi, has been offering beauty services on the mall for five years and has seen a decline in business since the construction started. She attributes this in part to the difficulty of accessing the area, with limited parking options available even before the construction began.
The impact of construction goes beyond Sashi’s business as many other stores along the mall have also been affected. Businesses have put up signs and offered promotions to attract customers, but many storefronts remain vacant. One business reported a 50% decrease in revenue compared to the previous year, citing the construction as a significant factor.
The extended timeline of the construction is causing concern for business owners like Sashi who are worried about further financial losses. The light rail stations surrounding her shop are also closed for improvement works, making it even more difficult for customers to access her business. However, despite these challenges, businesses on the 16th Street Mall are hoping for relief and a return to normalcy once the construction is completed.
As a popular tourist destination, businesses on the mall rely heavily on summer months for increased foot traffic and revenue. With ongoing construction posing challenges, they are looking towards the future and hoping for a successful tourist season to help sustain their operations.
