SPOKANE, Wash. — A more than year-long construction project converting a historic downtown building has created mixed results for local businesses along Post Street.
The block between Riverside Avenue and Sprague Avenue is expected to be closed until March as crews transform the Payton Building from office space into apartments.
Michael Whetstone, manager at Tempus Cellars, says his business has adapted well to the disruption.
“Sometimes I have four or five groups in here, and they are all intertwining, asking what’s going on,” Whetstone said.
The wine bar’s regular customers continue to visit despite construction noise and limited access.
However, Checkpoint, a shoe and clothing store, faces bigger challenges.
“Honestly, it’s pretty stressful. Like obviously it’s one side of the road is closed off, so customers can’t really get through that easily,” Checkpoint employee Kaya Seyhanli said.
Checkpoint, which is in part a second hand store, also receives fewer donated items because fewer people walk by. Staff have had to get creative to maintain inventory.
“People are bringing us a lot of shoes, and just getting clothes in here in general is kind of hard. Some of us resorted to selling our own stuff,” Seyhanli said.
According to the Spokane Business Journal, the Payton Building renovation plans to add nearly 100 apartment units to downtown Spokane. Both business owners expect the new residents will help their stores once construction ends.
“We’re looking forward for it to improve also because it might benefit our shop as well, places for people to park, come in, might be more accessible,” Seyhanli said.
Whetstone agrees that the additional residents could bring more customers.
“The more people that come in, the better. They’re going to have a good experience. You’re going to taste great wines,” Whetstone said.
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