West Market Square Construction Nears Completion

It's been a lot of hard work, and hard on area businesses.

Last April, construction crews started a $975,000 project to overhaul West Market Square. The final stages of the project of laying bricks, planting trees and cleaning up are underway. The project should be complete by the end of the month.

For business owners in the square, it's been a long construction season. Business around the square all have seen massive hits to their bottom line. West Market Square is usually bustling all summer long. With the construction the usual summer outdoor dining options where impossible. A lot of usual patrons avoided the area due to the holes, dirt and construction equipment.

The project was necessary with the aging infrastructure under the square. Some utility lines dated back to World War I and even pre-Civil War era. City officials say some were at the breaking point.

The city attempted to bolster business in the square with signs that read 'Pardon our Progress.' The goal was to inform pedestrians and motorists that businesses in the square were open and accessible during the construction. 'Hard Hat Happy Hour' events were also organized to drive people into affected businesses.

When the project is completed, West Market Square businesses are hoping for a busy fall and winter. After losing thousands and thousands of dollars, downtown businesses are counting on your support!