State Street will once again undergo reconstruction this spring, causing some businesses to brace for possible hardships in the necessary"" makeover.
According to City Council President Mike Verveer, the construction, from West Gilman Street to North Lake Street, is slated to begin by March 31, and will be similar to the previous three phases of the State Street redevelopment. He said officials will try to minimize the impact the construction has on businesses.
""We do everything possible to keep the businesses open and operating and not have negative impacts for them,"" Verveer said.
The Design Oversight Committee for State Street approved construction on the street's 500 and 600 blocks, last Monday.
Verveer said the $5 million plan includes new pavement, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, as well as street amenities like lights, benches and bicycle racks. Additionally, building new underground utilities, including replacing the over 100-year-old sewer and water mains, is a significant cost to the project.
Speedway Sand and Gravel was the lowest bidder for the project, which is two million dollars under budget.
Kelly Meuer, the owner of State Street Brats, 608 State St., has been involved in the planning meetings for the construction and said he is in favor of the development.
""I think in the long run it is going to make State Street a fantastic place to be. The upper part of State Street looks great,"" Meuer said. ""I think there are going to be some problems as far as business and customers getting around '¦ but all in all I think it's good for State Street.""
George Twigg, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said the construction is worth the multi-million dollar investment.
""It's a regional and national attraction and it's important that we keep it looking good and that it's usable and has the amenities everyone wants to see,"" Twigg said.
Verveer echoed those thoughts, saying, ""I think without question it is the most famous and important street in all of Wisconsin, connecting our capital with our flagship university.""
The project - set to be completed by fall 2008 - also calls for redoing Concrete Park, the area between the Statesider and Towers dorms on the north side and State Street Brats and University Inn on the South side of the street.
Still, not everyone is completely on board with the street's makeover. Mark Wilson, the General Manager of Taco Bell/KFC, 534 State St., said he thinks his business will be hurt by the construction.
Meuer said other business owners on other blocks of State Street during previous construction periods faced about five to ten percent revenue loss.
Wilson said he has concerns about delivery of supplies, removal of trash and access to parking behind his store. Despite these questions, Wilson said he thinks the improvement is probably for the best in the long run.
""It's just got to be done, it will make State Street look better and hopefully down the road it will increase business,"" he said.
