Orange cones, heavy machinery, and blocked-off sidewalks have become something along the lines of second nature in downtown Lake Forest. While city crews continue to work on the almost year-long project, which was meant to modernize the area, many small business owners say it’s taken a toll on their stores, sales, and customers.
Jonathan Dick, owner and founder of Sweet’s Chocolates, experienced the biggest change when Oakwood Avenue was blocked off earlier this fall.
“We were fine during the summer until they closed down Oakwood,” Dick said. “That was September and October, and we saw a noticeable change in our sales. A lot of people didn’t want to walk on the streets.”
Despite the steady decline in business, Dick remains quite optimistic about what opportunities the construction will bring.
“If you’re a new business moving in and this is happening, just think about how beautiful it’s going to be. You’re going to be very happy,” he said. “When this is done, Deerpath will look amazing. There will be better lighting, plants that change seasonally; it’s going to be beautiful.”
To help companies offset losses, Dick said the city is offering compensation to some businesses directly impacted by the construction.
“We just have to fill out a form and present our tax returns for the months that we were affected,” he said. “The city will reimburse up to $11,500 in lost sales, but only for those right in the construction zone.”
While companies have suffered a large load of the construction’s consequences, it affects students at LFHS as well. Senior Maxim Cusack, a member of the football team, said the traffic and detours have made getting around more frustrating than ever.
“It stinks getting to and from football practice with all the traffic,” Cusack said. “What used to be an easy 10-minute drive has turned into a grueling, traffic-filled 20-minute drive.”
For Lindsay Signa, owner of Lux Lane, a women’s clothing boutique that opened earlier this year, the construction has made her first year in business far from easy.
“As a newer boutique, our first year is all about building relationships and visibility, and unfortunately, the timing of this construction has made that really difficult,” Signa said. “People want to shop local, but many have avoided the area because of the noise, dust, and lack of parking.”
Lux Lane has relied heavily on social media and online outreach to remind customers that they’re still open, but Signa says the city’s financial assistance didn’t extend to newer businesses.
“A compensation package was given to some businesses, but since we hadn’t been open for a year yet, that didn’t apply to us,” she said. “It often feels like we, small businesses, are left to weather the storm on our own.”
While this construction has created headaches for many, both storeowners emphasized the importance of community support during this period. Many businesses have noticed that even small gestures like shopping local or posting on social media have made a huge impact.
“We truly appreciate the customers who go out of their way to support us,” Signa said. “It means everything.”
Dick had something similar to say, emphasizing that both patience and positivity are key.
“I know a lot of retailers and business owners were upset, but when it’s done, it’s going to transform the area,” he said. “At night it used to be dark, now there will be lighting, landscaping, and a welcoming atmosphere.”
The city’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for this specific part of the project is set for November 8th. Many hope the improvements, including safer sidewalks, new lighting, and enhanced landscaping that will help strengthen the connection between local businesses and the community.
Until then, business owners are holding out by relying on loyal customers, social media, and high hopes.
“It’s been tough,” Dick said, “but I think it’ll be worth it.”
