MINNEAPOLIS — All summer and spring, major streets have been torn up in northeast Minneapolis.
Construction on Hennepin and First avenues began in April in the Nicollet Island-East Bank neighborhood.
"We have been hit hard with construction in the last few months. Apparently it's supposed to be done in November but summer is really our busiest season for a lot of the vendors on the block. So it's been really a challenge to get people to come out and shop and support local business," said Carrie Martinson, owner of Olio Vintage on 5th St. NE.
Since construction started, Martinson said business has been down 40%-60% each month.
"It's generally a trauma here to enter the area. Our commercial tenants... have faced a loss of almost 50%," said Anna Christoforides, owner of Melrose Flats and Gardens of Salonica.
About the road construction, Christoforides said, "It's never been this bad. Ever."
Hennepin and First roadway improvements between Main Street and 8th Street will include wider sidewalks, transit priority lanes, separated bike paths, green infrastructure additions and storm water improvements. You can read more about the project, here.
"Long-term it should be great," Martinson said.
But in the meantime, businesses are banding together.
Christoforides' tenants include what's informally known as the Northeast Vintage Block. It includes Olio, Moth Oddities, The Golden Pearl Vintage, and Twelve Vultures.
"We're very happy to have them as our tenants and we want to keep them strong and viable."
The vintage shops are holding the inaugural Northeast Vintage Block Party on Saturday.
The block party will feature more than 20 vintage vendors and artists. It will also include music from DJ Jake Ryan, portraits by Matthew D'Ascenzo and food and drinks by Gardens of Salonica.
"We all just kind of have to really make sure we're supporting each other and getting the word out that we're here," Martinson said. "We're open. Come support small business."
The Northeast Vintage Block Party will take place Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the back parking lot of the Northeast Vintage Block, located near the intersection of 5th St. NE and Hennepin Ave.
Besides street parking, parking will be available in the Wells Fargo parking lot and the HDMG lot.