LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Changes are coming to the heart of the NuLu neighborhood as construction for the East Market Streetscape project started on Monday.
The project set to be completed by October 2025 and will impact every business in it's path.
While there are construction signs around the area, there is no significant demolition along the streets or sidewalks yet.
Sarah Blazin, the store manager at Muth's candies, said they were notified of the project by the city a few years ago.
"There's been plenty of public meetings and such, but the iterations of the plans have changed so many times," Blazin said. "Who knows what we're finally going to get?"
The Streetscape faced some push back in 2022 as the company LG&E determined the construction would impact gas lines in the area.
Muth's Candies has been owned by one family for generations.
Blazin said their family has had to deal with multiple challenges like the Kentucky State Highway Department purchasing their original location and forcing them to move for construction of an overpass. Most recently, Blazin herself adapted to running the business during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The company was given a broad time on when to expect construction at their front door.
"A few months from the end of the year to the beginning of next year," Blazin said. "Which unfortunately encompasses the holiday shopping season."
Holiday sales aren't the only concern people have with the construction.
Stuart Jordan frequently visits and works in NuLu. He said finding out where he'll be able to park his car after the redesign is on the top of his mind.
"We came down here last Saturday for a business meeting, we had a meeting at the office, then went out to dinner and to a bar afterwards," Jordan said. "We had to park a couple blocks away because it was so packed down here."
The Streetscape will replace angled parking spots so drivers aren't backing into a busy road. It will also expand sidewalks and make it more friendly to bikers.
"You can't always see as you're backing up," Jordan said. "Especially if you have a backup cam, a backup cam is helpful but yeah you have to be careful backing out into the street. Especially around four or five o'clock."
Everyone from visitors, employees and business owners are bracing to take on these future changes.
"As they start construction down here... where are we going to end up parking?" Jordan said. "How far are we going to have to end up walking? Am I going to end up finding someone else new to go?"
Blazin said she wants to make sure they can stick around the reap the benefits of the East Market Streetscape once it's complete. She wants to remind people to please support local businesses in NuLu in the next 18 months.
Construction will take start between the 900 and 1000 blocks of East Market Street and will continue in stages on the northern part of the street working it's way into the southern side.
The city will give businesses a two weeks notice before digging up concrete in front of their door.
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