Small Businesses Feel the Brunt of Highway 395 N Construction in Gardnerville, Nevada

In the bustling town of Gardnerville, businesses located near the ongoing construction project on Highway 395 N are bracing for a significant loss in revenue. The construction, which commenced in September of 2023, includes several improvements such as highway drainage, sidewalk and utility relocation work. With an estimated completion date set for 2024, portions of the highway in downtown Gardnerville will be rebuilt and repaved.

The construction has had a detrimental impact on business owners along Main Street. Heather Leonard, owner of Brown Bear Designs, specializes in restoring vintage furniture and has seen a 35% decrease in revenue since construction began. She expressed how the construction has scared away customers, putting her business in “panic mode.” Similarly, Marissa Mills, owner of Luminary Books, has also noted a loss of foot traffic and is struggling to keep her business afloat.

Despite these challenges, both Leonard and Mills remain optimistic about the revitalization of downtown Gardnerville once the construction is completed. They are urging the community to support local businesses during this difficult time by shopping locally and choosing to support small businesses over larger corporations. In response to the decline in foot traffic, Mills has implemented creative measures such as hosting after-hours events and setting up an online shop to make shopping more convenient for customers.

As they navigate through the construction period, Leonard and Mills hope to receive continued support from their community to ensure the longevity of their businesses. They emphasize that by shopping locally and supporting small businesses over larger corporations, we can help sustain their livelihoods while also revitalizing our communities.