Local

Hypolita Street construction hurting businesses

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The project to revamp some streets in downtown St. Augustine is turning into a nightmare for business owners along Hypolita Street.

The construction coincides with the peak tourist season.

Karen Drummond manages Cottonways Boutique on Hypolita Street. The location alone is perfect for business thanks to lots of foot traffic, but that's not the case this summer.

"Some days it's very, very loud and the building will shake," said Drummond.

Crews are demolishing Hypolita Street to install new underground utilities and eventually a new road.

Action News first told you about the $3.3 million project to revamp Hypolita, Spanish, and Treasury streets back in March.

The city now has signs up letting people know stores are open, but Drummond said her bottom line is just not the same since construction began in April.

"It's definitely impacting but it could be worse," said Drummond.

Project manager Ruben Franklin admits it's been challenging.

"We have tried to make access as easy as possible, which had been challenging given the tight constraints," said Franklin.

Drummond is keeping an open mind. She said the sacrifice will be worth it in the end.

"It's going to be really good, it's going to bring a lot of business. The street is going to be a lot prettier; everybody is going to be enjoying it," said Drummond.

Construction on Hypolita Street is expected to wrap up in mid-October. The entire project is expected to be finished by April 2015.