Help Sidewalk/street construction

[Garnetta]

We're about to undergo a sidewalk and street upgrade. I'm located in our downtown area and the streetscape upgrade started last summer five blocks away. The results are fabulous, but I've noticed it has taken approximately 1½ months for each block. My block may even take longer since I'm across the street from the courthouse and they will be updating the entire "square."

During the construction phase for each block, the businesses were hurt financially due to lack of customers. The construction crews did everything they could to allow customers to get into the businesses, but people still stayed away.

I have a three story historic building. I do have a rear entrance off an alley.

I'm pleading for ideas to keep customers coming in. I thought about putting a very large banner up across my second story window area. It could read something like:

"Just slip in the back, Jack"
"Enter from the alley, Sally"

I would like to try to make this fun through advertising and signs. Or perhaps I should have a drawing for an expensive mirror or something. Does anyone have any fun, creative ideas? I'm in a panic and my brain feels like mush right now.

 

[Bob Doyle]

That would work, or you could go on vacation

They are (hopefully) gonna do the same here next summer. I am debating whether to stay open, or take some time off. I haven't had a break in a long time, this might just be the impetus to do so! And if they don't have to worry about letting people in my space maybe they'll get the job done a day or two sooner....

 

[BILL WARD]

I understand you anguish!!!! cities can be &*%#@ insensitive to the immediate/far reaching consequences of their "betterment" projects. will the city let you put up(more to the point--can you get by with putting up) some signs at the ends of your block/outside the destruction areas????? might be your ONLY recourse for the duration. similar situation in St. Petersburg a few years ago---street got 'fixed/dugup' in front of an artists co-op---NO traffic/NO biz!!!! they were 'allowed' to put signs at the ends of the construction areas(blocking both street/sidewalks) saying "we're STILL here---just around the coner/down the block" and, I'm told, theses actually increased their business while they were up!--they now had 'free' advertising! (of course the city would not allow them to remain up after the dust had settled!). go figure

or can you park a van at the end of the destruction????and maybe now is an opportune time for that van-wrap advertising your've been thinking about(& been putting off?) In any case illl customers be able to actually 'find' you even with the signage???? (not getting lost in a maze of alleyway 'connections'?) you could mount a disco ball/colored lights and pipe 'out' noisy/loud music, or rent a set of spot lights to all work the night and make everyone wonder who/whats going on ........................ or you 'could' take a vacation for the duration???? anyway you cut the cake YOU are going to come out with the little piece! sympathies

 

[matage]

I'm in about the same situation. I moved my store to the “down town/ town center” area and days later the city announced they are going to build a light rail track right in front of my store. And we’re not just talking a couple of months of construction, they are estimating 18-36 months of construction time. We too have back ally access, but you have to park a good 100yards away

My thought is that drivers are going to stay away from my area all together, so advertising on my building might never even get seen, so I’m interested in some responses also of what type of “reward” would lure the customer into an inconvenient area of town

 

[JFeig]

A sign over the shop will work only if there is traffic on the street during construction. You posting does not state yes or no to that. If it is a yes, I would say that a banner "business as usual during street construction - please use rear entrance in the alley" or something similar.... very simple and not humorous.

With a town you size and location in the county (no other communities your size) I would say that if they want custom picture framing, they already know you and will come it on their own with or without a sign.

 

[j Paul]

I like your ideas for a Banner on your building, cute / catchy should get their attention.

I was going to suggest as Bill already did, that you have signs at the beginning of the construction area. Ask if you think they would agree, if not don't ask, just put em there, replace them when they disappear.

The municipality should be understanding / cooperative while this is going on. They should waive any restrictions they might have to temp. off-premise signs. Mine allowed us to put as many lawn signs out on the right-of-way while our road was tore up.