DENVER - The 1800 block stretch of South Broadway, known as Antique Row, is a mess to say the least. Work on several projects began more than seven months ago and continues on leaving many businesses in the 'red' and customers looking for creative ways to get into their favorite antique shops.
"Many of my friends who own shops along the SoBo strip say business is off more than 40%," says Marcus Giavanni. "While most say they are losing money during the prolonged construction, others have simply closed their doors unable to make it thru this tough phase of work."
While shoppers fight lane shifts and closings, some shop owners are letting folks park out back, but for many the struggle to find parking appears to be enough to make them avoid Antique Row altogether.
"This Christmas season was barely better than last year when the whole economy was in the tank," said Sandra Zwingelberg, owner of Yesterday's Child. "We think the crews have been doing the best they can, working in all kinds of conditions, BUT we need them to get finished soon!"
When finished the new streetscape will sport a median like one further south on Broadway in Englewood, there will be new trees, sidewalks, and antique lighting.
"The plans look great, we just want to see them finish up," said Jim Neisler of Heidelberg Antiques. "We were lucky we put a lot of our items on the internet, that is what helped us keep our bottom line level this year."
The project was slated to last about a year, but weather is unpredictable so when it's too bad no one works and the street stays a mess. Everyone hopes the improvement project wraps up close to on time!
"Many of my friends who own shops along the SoBo strip say business is off more than 40%," says Marcus Giavanni. "While most say they are losing money during the prolonged construction, others have simply closed their doors unable to make it thru this tough phase of work."
While shoppers fight lane shifts and closings, some shop owners are letting folks park out back, but for many the struggle to find parking appears to be enough to make them avoid Antique Row altogether.
"This Christmas season was barely better than last year when the whole economy was in the tank," said Sandra Zwingelberg, owner of Yesterday's Child. "We think the crews have been doing the best they can, working in all kinds of conditions, BUT we need them to get finished soon!"
When finished the new streetscape will sport a median like one further south on Broadway in Englewood, there will be new trees, sidewalks, and antique lighting.
"The plans look great, we just want to see them finish up," said Jim Neisler of Heidelberg Antiques. "We were lucky we put a lot of our items on the internet, that is what helped us keep our bottom line level this year."
The project was slated to last about a year, but weather is unpredictable so when it's too bad no one works and the street stays a mess. Everyone hopes the improvement project wraps up close to on time!
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