Businesses struggle amid streetscaping project in Wauwatosa: "Construction is definitely not helping"

WAUWATOSA -- Business owners in Wauwatosa say they're struggling to stay open amid construction on Underwood Avenue.

"I would say June was start of everything starting to go down," Lee Guk, owner of Lucky Joe's Alchemy & Eatery on Underwood Avenue said.

Lucky Joe's Alchemy & Eatery

Since the streetscaping project began in Wauwatosa, Guk says his business has taken a hit.

"Construction is definitely not helping," Guk said.

State Street, Underwood Avenue and Harmonee Avenue are just a few of the roads affected during this first phase of construction which includes replacing old infrastructure and road surfaces. The construction has created obstacles for patrons and pedestrians -- impacting businesses.

"We lost more than half our business. We cut down at least 10-15 staff positions during the course of a week," Guk said.

Guk does attribute some of the decrease to the summer weather and seasonal competition, but said construction hasn't made it easier.

It seems some businesses are staying afloat thanks to members of the community like David Konkel.

"It`s nice to be able to support a business that are from Tosa. It`s a bit inconvenient, but at the end of the day, I think it's going to be a better place to come down with our family to spend time," Konkel said.

"The overall plan is fantastic. The streetscape they are working on -- all new benches, bike racks, lighting -- it's going to be fantastic and bring a lot of people to the area," Guk said.