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07/13/2016 09:00 AMWhile Madison wraps up the first phase of the Downtown Center Project, small businesses downtown are getting back to normal after months of construction, and for some that means new business and new locations.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eileen Banisch said the recent conclusion of Phase I construction downtown will help small businesses.
“You compare what the downtown looks like now to a year ago,” she said. “The downtown a year ago we were saddled with broken and cracked sidewalks, fruit trees that were dying—it was just so run down and unattractive-looking that I really do think the new face of the downtown will attract new businesses.”
Banisch said she thinks the project itself has already helped to bring in a new store.
“One of the reasons Totally Awesome Goods moved here is because they knew the renovation was coming,” she said.
According to Banisch, there many also be a new arts and gift shop on the way to Madison. While the center project may bring in new businesses down the line, other existing businesses in Madison have decided to move to the Post Road, including Angie Lu Tailors.
The business, owned by Lina Demasi, was previously located on Meigs Avenue, but Demasi said she was pleased to be able to relocate.
“Since I came here almost 10 years ago I have always looked to have a place right in town,” she said. “It is more traffic. We are hoping to have more success in this.”
In moving, Demasi has also been able to expand her business.
“We alter wedding gowns, we have imported things from Italy, we do tailoring, we do everything,” she said. “We have gotten a lot of new people. We have a lot of construction here, but eventually we will make it beautiful.”
In addition to some business expanding their space, others will begin to expand their offerings. According to Banisch, the Eclectic Café in town may be offering some Wednesday night hours and Madison Center Pilates, located on Samson Rock Drive, is expanding its offerings as well.
Paula Lester recently took over Madison Center Pilates and said she has begun to offer classes other than just Pilates.
“I have added more styles of classes, so it is not just Pilates. We are doing cardio classes, we are doing strength and toning classes, we are doing a dance fitness class as well,” she said. “I have added more evenings and some early morning classes as well so we have a much broader schedule.”
In expanding her offerings, Lester said she has seen an uptick in business.
“On Saturday I had 14 people in class, which is more than is even allowed to sign up, so it is going really well,” she said. “I am thrilled about how it is taking off. I am getting new people all of the time now.”
Lester said she hopes to continue to expand her offerings.
“Anyone can do any of the classes, but I eventually would like to put a senior class together and focus more on that,” she said.