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RiNo businesses see loss of customers amid road construction woes

Posted at 4:30 AM, Jul 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-14 09:10:14-04

DENVER -- Businesses in Denver's River North neighborhood are dealing with another day of messy road construction.

New breweries, restaurants and offices are building up along Brighton Boulevard in the city's newest up and coming neighborhood. Torn up streets and closed intersections are creating headaches for business owners.

Denver7 spoke with one business about how the construction is impacting sales. Mockery Brewing Co. sits on 35th Street, right down the road from Brighton Boulevard.

"Denver in itself is one of the best beer cities in anywhere in the world," said owner Zach Rabun.

The location was perfect for a brewery, Rabun said. Its doors opened three years ago.

"Lot's of open warehouse space, that was ideal to set up a brewery," said Rabun.

He said when they picked the spot they were aware of what was to come. Heavy machinery and detour signs can be a turnoff to customers.

"I think more and more, as people try to come into the neighborhood, they realize how many detours and lane closures and general congestion there is because of the construction," said Rabun.

The construction is causing a loss.

"Just from last summer to this summer, we've defiantly seen a downturn," said Rabun.

The regulars are keeping the place afloat. The events are helping, too. New customers are hard to get, but like with every big project, this too will come to a close.

"We're waiting to get on the other side of this construction. It will be a lot better for us then," he said.

Construction on Brighton Boulevard will be done from 29th street to 40th street by spring of next year.