Businesses along Lexington Avenue in Arden Hills and Shoreview have faced a series of challenges over the past few years, from the impact of the pandemic to a major road construction project that disrupted the flow of customers. For some, like Lexington Floral, the combination of these setbacks proved to be too much to overcome, leading to closures and financial strain.
Lexington Floral, a third-generation family-owned flower shop that has been a staple in the community since 1985, relied heavily on walk-in customers for 70% of its revenue. However, during the two-year road construction project that began in 2022, the four-lane highway was reduced to a single lane at times, making it difficult for customers to reach the shop. Owner Allie Tempelis had to eventually close the shop in the fall of 2022, citing the construction as a significant factor in the decision.
The construction project, which aimed to improve traffic flow and safety in the area, was plagued by delays due to incorrectly mapped ground utilities, pushing the timeline beyond the anticipated one year. Small businesses along the corridor, such as George’s Shoes & Repair and Lifelong Wealth Advisors, also felt the negative impacts of the construction on their operations and customer traffic.
In response to the challenges faced by businesses, the Twin Cities North Chamber launched a marketing campaign called “Welcome Back to Lexington Avenue” to drive demand and support local establishments. While some businesses were able to weather the storm and continue operating, others were forced to close their doors permanently.
Looking towards the future, Business owners like Ron George of George’s Shoes & Repair remain hopeful for a comeback in 2024 after years of setbacks. Despite the hardships faced by businesses along Lexington Avenue, there is optimism for a revitalization of the area now that the construction is complete. As businesses strive to recover and rebuild, the community looks towards a brighter future ahead.
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