By Jacob Clavijo
Multiple Downtown Lynchburg businesses say construction as part of the Downtown Renewal Project has impacted sales. The project, scheduled to be completed by mid-2026, has many business owners concerned.
“Downtown trade is difficult in normal times but is even hindered more with the complete blockade of Main St.,” said Ken Reed, owner of Father’s Cafe and Bakery, located in the Lynchburg Community Market. “We are trying to make the best of the situation but the reality is it has hurt us.”
Construction at the intersection of 13th Street and Main Street. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
The project will replace aging infrastructure and improve the downtown’s streetscape. Scott Parkins, the project manager, says the city is working with businesses to mitigate the effects of the construction.
“Our goal is to try to work with everybody so that we understand what their concerns are,” Parkins said.
The city has partnered with the Downtown Lynchburg Association to provide businesses with more transparency.
“Transparency is really the biggest way that we can support people,” said Kelvin Whitehurst, the business liaison for the DLA. Whitehurst also visits businesses weekly and voices their concerns back to the city.
Street advertising placed by Downtown Lynchburg Association. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
One of the concerns businesses have is the limited accessibility caused by the construction. Beginning in January, most of Main Street will be closed off from 12th and 13th Street, blocking some entrances to the community market parking lot.
“Hopefully we won’t be too impacted by it,” said Corey Goff, manager of Philippine Delight. “But we’ll just have to wait and see how that goes.”
The city still plans to allow access to the market parking lot despite construction during this time.
“Our goal is to always make the businesses accessible for everybody,” Parkins said.
Construction at the intersection of 13th Street and Main Street. Photo by Jacob Clavijo
While businesses are experiencing a decline in sales, they still support the project.
“Once the construction is done, I think it’ll draw a lot of people to the downtown area,” Goff said.
For more information, visit Downtown Renewal Project.