DETROIT – Many are looking forward to the revitalization of Greektown, with construction set to wrap up next summer.
Some of the businesses in the area, however, are wondering if they can wait that long.
“If all this interruption put us out of business, there’s a bigger challenge,” said Hot Sam’s Detroit Owner Tony Stovall.
Stovall says he’s really feeling the impact of the project that’s literally ripping up the ground surrounding his store on Monroe Street, but he’s trying his best to be patient.
“I want all of us business people to relax and see the growth of downtown Detroit and look at the foot traffic we do have, and wait until the future continues to get brighter,” Stovall said.
Foot traffic itself may be challenging due to the narrow walking space, yet people like Scott Dalato are still out there.
“The construction is a little bit difficult, but you know what the cool thing is, though you see the revitalization of the city, they’re putting money into it. They’re doing work. So yeah, you get a little inconvenience. But you know, long-term wise, it would be here,” said Scott.
The bar scene, however, may be feeling the effects. But ultimately, Tony Piraino, owner of the Firebird Tavern, says he thinks in the long run it’ll be worth it.
“If you look at it as an observer, and you’re just walking down the street, it looks just terrible.
From a business perspective, it hasn’t been as bad as you might think. In terms of foot traffic.
You can still park you can still park wherever you do everything is kind of normal that way. It’s just you can you can still walk down the street. It’s just you can’t drive down Monroe”
Firebird Tavern Owner Tony Piraino
Construction is expected to be completed in approximately eleven months.
You’ll see numerous signs indicating that businesses are still open.