Bryan Businesses Weathering Tough Economic Times Due to South College Avenue Construction
South College Avenue Infrastructure Project Disrupts Local Businesses
The urban scene in Bryan, Texas, on South College Avenue, has been quite tumultuous for over a year due to an ongoing construction project. The infrastructure development has had an adverse impact on local businesses, with many struggling to keep their operations going amidst the disruptions.
Construction Negatively Impacts Local Businesses
The construction project has caused significant inconvenience to local businesses, notably Vortex Studios, located at the intersection of South College Avenue and Bizzell Street. With the construction blocking its front entrance, the business, known for its vibrant foot traffic, has seen a sharp decline in customers.
Victor Lucio, owner of Vortex Studios, expressed his challenges following the start of construction on South College Avenue. Lucio explained the distressing situation saying, “The majority of our income was coming in through foot traffic and with no foot traffic it has made it extremely difficult.”
Continued Lucio, “I’ve found myself worn out because I’ve had to find many creative ways to try to bring business in and try to let people know we are here without that foot traffic.”
Poised for Survival Amidst the Challenges
Despite the hardship, the local entrepreneur is not giving up. To keep his business around after the ongoing construction reaches its end, Lucio plans to host two fundraisers, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Other Businesses, Too, Struggle with the Changing Landscape
Vortex Studios isn’t the only business feeling the pinch of the construction on South College Avenue. Other businesses, such as Ray Criswell Distributing Company on South College Avenue and Howard Street, are also grappling with significant issues due to the construction.
Construction Leaves Undesirable Aftermath
Dawna Adams, General Manager of Ray Criswell Distributing Company, shared her experience, noting the necessary reroute to enter the business. The company has also struggled with other effects of the construction such as potholes, blocked drain pipes causing flood during rain, and an incurred cost to remove dirt buildup from the site.
City Officials Speak on the Ongoing Project
Despite the difficulties faced by the businesses, city officials assure that the end is in sight and that the overall outcome will worth the present hardship. Sam Vernon, the Assistant City Engineer with the city of Bryan, affirmed that the South College Avenue Reconstruction Project is behind schedule but is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Addressing the concerns of the affected businesses, Vernon said, “Sometimes it doesn’t look like to the public that a lot is not getting done, I call it the iceberg effect where what you see on the surface really does not reflect everything that has to be done.”
Although the construction project has caused disruptions and inconvenience for several businesses on South College Avenue, the city of Bryan remains hopeful that the improvements will eventually bring significant benefits to the area.
End in Sight for the Long-Term Project
Despite the frustration and hardships it’s brought upon the community, the city of Bryan, overall, seems optimistic about the project’s completion. The city is investing around 16 million dollars in this broad-scope endeavor. Vernon, explaining the city’s standpoint, stated, “It’s a long project [with] a lot of moving parts, and at the conclusion, it will be a great place.”
