The final touches are being put on the massive rebuild of Main Street in downtown Rochester.
Kristi Trevarrow says the project, which rebuild the road, the infrastructure under it, sidewalks and more, will be done Nov. 23 in time for the start of holiday shopping.
Currently, trees, decorative fencing, benches and street signs are going in - the last of the work.
While the project has been a headache and hassle for some business owners and locals, amazingly, Trevarrow says, downtown's occupancy rate is higher than before construction.
Although about four businesses closed during the project, she says, more have moved in or expanded, bringing the occupancy rate to 97 percent.
Pre-construction that number was 95 percent, she says.
"We've had a lot of people who came in saying they want to start a business. They say, 'We knew before that this is a great place to be, and now we with all the improvements we want to get in before anyone else.' "
Writer: Kim North Shine
Source: Kristi Trevarrow, executive director Rochester Downtown Development Authority
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