Businesses on 16th Street Mall facing challenges due to ongoing construction

The 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver is facing a tough time as businesses struggle to stay afloat amidst ongoing construction work. Jayanth Sashi, a local beautician, has been feeling the impact of the construction on her business. She has been providing eyebrow and facial services on the mall for five years but has seen a significant drop in foot traffic since the construction began.

Sashi explains that the lack of parking and the construction work have deterred tourists from visiting the area, leading to a decline in new customers. Many businesses along the mall are also feeling the pinch, with some reporting a 50% decrease in revenue compared to the previous year.

The construction work, which is expected to continue until September, has forced RTD to close the light rail stations surrounding Sashi’s shop. This has further exacerbated the situation for her and other business owners in the area.

Despite the challenges, Sashi and her fellow business owners are hopeful that the upcoming tourist season will bring some relief. They are counting on a busy summer to help them stay afloat and recover from the losses they have incurred due to the construction.

As the construction continues to drag on, Sashi and other business owners are calling for some relief and questioning why the project is taking so long. They are concerned about the future of the 16th Street Mall, once a bustling tourist area, and are eager to see it return to its former glory.