In the heart of Minneapolis, construction crews are tirelessly working on a crucial corridor that serves dozens of Uptown businesses. Amidst the chaos, Robert Sorenson, owner of Bobby Beads, watches as earth is moved and dig up for the project. Although he has never experienced a reconstruction project of this intensity before, Sorenson notes that the impact on his business has not been as bad as he feared before construction started.
Next door at La Bodega Taco Bar, Alex Rosario shares that sales are half of what they were before construction. The difficulty of navigating the construction zone has also led to delivery drivers cancelling orders. Despite these challenges, Rosario expresses hope that businesses in Uptown will persevere and benefit from the long-term benefits that this project promises.
On the other hand, at Uncommon Grounds Coffee House, owner Dale Lee mentions that their business has been steady despite the construction. While customers have had to adjust their hours due to the project’s impact, Lee sees it as a short-term inconvenience for long-term benefits for the neighborhood. He believes that once completed, the area will look modern and attractive, enhancing overall property values in the neighborhood.
As we move forward with this project’s first phase, it’s clear that its effects will vary depending on each day and weather conditions. However, with its completion set for 2025 between 26th and Douglas Ave., we can expect to see significant changes in Uptown’s landscape and potentially even more growth for local businesses like Bobby Beads and Uncommon Grounds Coffee House.
