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iKandi Hair Studio. Owner Candy Corbins is concerned about how her business will be affected by the increased traffic from the new Ryan Field.
With plans to build Northwest Ryan Field, business owners near the stadium have mixed opinions on the project’s outcome, with some looking forward to the projected revenue and others concerned about increased traffic from concerts and other events.
Last September, NU announced an $800 million renovation of its nearly 100-foot football stadium on Central Avenue. The university also proposed hosting concerts and allowing alcohol to be sold there. Permits from the city council are required to advance the project and these proposals.
Some business owners on Central Street say the location is due for renovation. Dave Gaborek, Vice President of Let’s Tailgate, Official Merchandiser of Nu Athletics; Although the construction may affect the work in the short term, the “old” stadium needs renovation.
“The move definitely affects us when they have to leave it for two years for maintenance, but it’s overdue in the long run,” Gaborek said.
“It’s just the same,” Gaborek said of how the lack of game days during fall quarter will affect business, adding that the store experienced a significant uptick in business during the NU basketball season this year.
The university has announced a target of 35 percent for local spending. Minority- and women-owned businesses in the September announcement. Businesses can fill out a vendor request form on the Rebuild Ryan Field website to offer their services during the project.
Candy Corbins, The owner of iKandi Hair Studio on Central Street said she was skeptical of the university’s promise to promote black businesses.
“I’m concerned about how they describe what they’re going to do for the black and brown community with this project,” Corbins said. I don’t know how one relates to the other.
While vendors that sell food and NU products may not be affected in the long run, Corbbins said businesses like hers that provide customer services may feel the most impact.
She pointed out the increased traffic that more events would bring.
“I’m one of the few black businesses on this block, and that’s not going to help me — it’s going to be a hindrance,” Corbins said.
Donna Paris Byrne, Owner of Pilates Central Wellness across the street from the stadium; She said she is concerned about the proposal for more events at the new Ryan Field.
When Paris Byrne first opened her business, she knew there would be seven soccer matches a year, but she says increased street traffic during events creates new challenges.
“The regular influx of 35,000 people into this neighborhood is very concerning to me,” Paris Byrne said. I can’t see people on stadium event days because people can’t get here.
According to the Rebuild Ryan Field website, the university works with city officials and the community to determine the number of concerts held each year and “plans to reduce congestion on game days.” The sale of alcohol at the new stadium has been a frequent debate among members of the Evanston community.
Some businesses near the stadium, such as Central Street restaurant Mustard’s End, believe the rebuilding process will bring an increase in sales. Mustard manager Samuel Lise He previously told the Daily He hopes his business will benefit from construction workers eating at the restaurant.
Brian O’Malley, owner of the Central Beer Bottle Shop, said that while football games help his business, they are not a “big linchpin” in revenue.
He also said it would be “cool” if the new stadium included local vendors once the stadium is built, but that idea won’t ultimately affect the store that much.
“I think (rebuilding) will be good for our unique businesses, but I don’t want to overstate how it will affect other businesses,” O’Malley said.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @katewalter03
Related stories:
– Ryan Construction’s leadership is committed to working with local women- and minority-owned businesses.
– City Council candidates say rebuilding Ryan Field project depends on public opinion, NU-affiliated campaign contributions
– NU pushes for Ryan Field renovation, 7th Ward neighbors criticize expected results
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