TEMPLE, Texas — If you've been to Downtown Temple, you probably have noticed there is plenty of construction going on, detours and cones. They've been a common sighting for the last several months.
The City of Temple closed additional streets for the Downtown City Center Project on April 1. The closings included 2nd St. from Adams Avenue. to Central Avenue, as well as the Central Avenue intersection. Also, 4th Street from Adams Avenue to Central Avenue will remain closed as part of the ongoing construction, as well as Central Avenue from 2nd Street to 6th Street.
There are several businesses along the closures that are still open and are looking for ways to draw people in with the construction going on. One of those businesses includes Precious Memories.
"All of the businesses on 2nd Street are still open, we still need you to come and see us or to call us and to work through this with us, as we venture through to this improvement," said Seleese Thompson, owner of Precious Memories. "You may have to use our alleys or you may have to cross the street and walk but we are here and we want you to continue to support the downtown businesses as we go through these construction phases."
Thompson said the growing pains that come with the construction downtown are worth it because she knows what's on the other end. She is working on ensuring her business keeps thriving by evolving practices and trying new things.
"We are very positive because we can see what it's already done to the 1st Street businesses, so we can be excited because we know what's coming," Thompson added. "We're trying to make sure our customers know with banners, signs, decals, greenery and plants that we are open. We're just encouraging everyone to be very safe as they come into the stores and just pay attention to the construction.
Thompson has also created a Adams Street entrance to her business for when people won't be able to access the main entrance on 2nd Street. She said working with the City of Temple and other neighboring businesses has made the transition easier.
Road closures for this phase of the project could last around two months, according to the city. However, Thompson is looking at 90 to 120 days of dramatic changes to happen outside of her storefront.
Megan Price, a spokeswoman for the City of Temple, says the project is moving along, but they are slightly behind schedule due to water leaks during construction.
"We totally understand the frustration with the downtown area right now," Price said. "Parking is hard. It's hard to get around right now with road closures. Our goal is of course to get them done as quickly as possible and reopen those roads. We do try to provide detour routes and alternate parking options for residents when we can just so they know that the businesses are still very much open."
Price said the overall goal of the Downtown City Center Project is to enhance the aesthetics and accessibility for the downtown businesses, as well as enhanced aesthetics and enhanced accessibility for the downtown businesses, and increase the foot traffic.
When the project is complete, there will be larger sidewalks, more landscaping, more lighting fixtures and better parking. Price said they are hoping to have the City Center project down by mid to late Summer of 2024.