Local businesses react to construction

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Construction, a leap forward for our community, but a constant worry for businesses.

"It was hard for people to get here but it was understandable that Wabash Avenue needed to be redone," Bohannon's East Owner Bruce Adelman said.

Work on Wabash Avenue was expected to last three months.

Businesses worried that it would take longer.

Instead, it took less.

"I'm just glad it's over, because it was hard for all the businesses on Wabash Avenue that were affected by this," Adelman said.

Sales at Bohannon's East dipped by about 20 to 25 percent.

Sales numbers haven't bounced back up just yet, but employees are confident they're on their way.

Parking is no longer an issue, and businesses got new sidewalks.

"I'm a lot happier that I'm on Wabash Avenue than I am Margaret Avenue, you know I feel so sorry for those businesses down there that it's taken so long because I can't imagine," he said.

Meanwhile, construction on Terre Haute's Margaret Avenue makes business tough.

"It's definitely been a hard 15 months," Sunrise Family Restaurant Owner and Manager Pamela Kieft said.

Sunrise Family Restaurant sales have dropped 60 to 70 percent.

"I've been avoiding the 7th and Margaret Avenue all together, I go straight out on 41," Customer Pat Hopkins said.

However, hotels, restaurants and stores say they're working together.

"We're holding on, we have a great staff and dedicated to the Terre Haute area, and this is where we want to be," Kieft said.

Businesses and customers say they will get through it.

Of course, the distraction is only temporary.

"When something goes from bad to good, you forget the bad, so it was worth it," Hopkins said.

News 10 also spoke with JR Pharmacy and Orpheum Hair near 7th Street and Margaret Avenue.

Both say business is hurting, but know it's just temporary.