April 2, 2026

Supporting Businesses During Downtown Construction

When construction comes downtown, the impact on local businesses can be overwhelming. But with careful planning and action — such as clear signage, maintained pedestrian access, communication with business owners, and scheduling work to minimize disruption — communities can protect the economic health of local businesses and the downtown overall.

Around the country, local governments, downtown organizations, and business leaders are meeting the challenges of construction projects with a wide range of actions and programs.

For example, in downtown State College, PA, the $2.4 million Calder Way Project is replacing century-old utility infrastructure (sewer, water, gas, electric) while creating a safer, more accessible, and revitalized city center.

To keep the downtown active during phase two of the project, children and their adults were invited downtown for the Calder Way Construction Crawl.

In addition to getting a first-hand view of the construction, children received a free hard hat then collected stickers from participating businesses to earn a free activity book. Accompanying adults could also enter to win a $150 downtown gift card in a monthly raffle.

More on coping with construction appears in the April issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.

Click below to learn more about Downtown Idea Exchange and other resources for revitalizing downtowns and commercial corridors.

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Recommended Reading

The Creative Community Builder’s Handbook:
How to Transform Communities Using Local
Assets, Arts, and Culture

Art and culture can be powerful catalysts for downtown revitalization. Let The Creative Community Builder’s Handbook show you how. In a thoroughly researched and compelling format, it provides the strategies, best practices, and step-by-step guidance you need to put the power of arts and culture to work in your downtown.

The bulk of the book is devoted to 20 case studies including examples of cultural tourism, artist live/work zones, diversifying the economy, activating public spaces, cultural festivals and celebrations, enhancing civic pride, and more.

The case studies are followed by step-by-step guidelines for assessing, planning, funding, implementing, and marketing these types of projects.

By using the research, case studies, and action steps, you will be able to make
arts- and culture-based change in your community.

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The Creative Community Builder’s Handbook is just one of the many books on Downtown Economic Development available from the Downtown Development Center.