Businesses suffer during Hennepin Avenue construction project in Minneapolis

In the spring of 2024, the City of Minneapolis commenced a two-year construction project on Hennepin Avenue, particularly affecting the Uptown area. This project aimed to enhance the accessibility of the corridor for pedestrians, public transit users, and drivers. However, business owners reported significant negative impacts due to the construction. For instance, the co-owner of Namaste Cafe, Nadine Schaefer, expressed that their usual peak season from June to September has been diminished, leading to financial strain. Meanwhile, Stephanie Shimp, who operates The Lowry, mentioned that they had to reduce staff and increase marketing efforts to cope with diminished customer traffic. Both owners echoed a common sentiment among local businesses that, despite construction nearing its completion, the adverse effects on their operations have left them concerned about sustainability. As of early November, the construction is expected to wrap up, but some business owners remain skeptical about whether this will truly alleviate the challenges they face. They urge the community to support local businesses during this difficult time.