Construction hurts business

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Any other time, getting a hair cut at John Stadler's Barber Shop would be a breeze.

"Randomly, people would stop by and get a hair cut because they see my sign and see that I was open and say hey, I'm going to go get a haircut while I'm here," John Stadler's Barber Shop Owner John Stadler said.

However, with the current construction on Wabash Avenue, which spans from 13th to 25th streets, just stopping by is a little more difficult.

"They're concerned about parking," Stadler said.

Business has been cut in half, buzzing about 25 customers daily instead of 50.

"I can feel a difference already in just about a week's worth of work," he said.

Another major stripe in the plan is the possibility of construction lasting longer than three months.

"That's a big concern of mine because they've got different projects going in the city and look how long it's taking them to do them projects, like 7th and Margaret. It's still messed up."

Just across the street, Sonka Irish Pub said its business has declined, mostly during lunchtime.

They hope to recoup some sales and open up parking by encouraging everyone to bike there.

"You show us your bicycle and you get five punches, and you get a free engineered sandwich," Sonka Irish Pub Owner Sandy Boyles-Gillen said.

It's a hassle for businesses and customers.

"We realize the inconvenience but we also know that this is going to be a good ending," Boyles-Gillen said.

They take it one day at a time and focus on the situation as half full, knowing the end result will be worth the mess.

Stadler's offers a shuttle to all of their customers and makes home visits for the disabled.

We spoke to other businesses to see how they are handling the work.

Tempo Furniture is currently advertising. Employees believe the construction is needed, and they look forward to the end product.