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Area businesses prepare for downtown construction project

LAUREL — Downtown businesses are ready for some big changes to Main Street.

Through the past year, the city has been looking to redo Second Street, and the time has finally come. Construction started a few weeks ago on the street by the softball fields.

Now that construction is making its way to where many businesses are located, owners are getting prepared to redirect foot traffic.

Security Bank will have parking available behind its building and customers will have access to the back door when the front doors are closed.

“Construction will eventually affect the drivethrough and front doors for a few days but walk-ins will still be an option,” said Security Bank President Keith Knudsen.

Knudsen, who also serves as Laurel’s Mayor, said the work is much needed, so any inconvenience to his business is minimal.

“This has been long overdue and we won’t have to face as many issues with the sidewalks and storm drains,” he said.

The Main Street Apothecary will have the door in the back alley open to customers.

There is a sign with the name and contact information along with a doorbell to ask for help on the back entrance.

“We have a handicap accessible ramp and railing to the back door. By the time construction hits our part of Main Street, the Apothecary will have a nice walkway to the main part of our store,” said Christina Patefield, the local pharmacist and co-owner, along with her husband Mark.

The Apothecary Drug Store is still doing curbside pick-up and home deliveries upon request.

Patefield said she knows her customers will appreciate the updates the city is making, adding the slanted sidewalks have been an issue for the elderly.

“It will be so nice when the hazardous sidewalks and curbs are redone making it easier for my elderly customers to get to and from their cars safely,” said Patefield.

To get inside Knuckleheads, there will be a door to the beer garden located in the alley behind the business. T&H Meats, a recent addition to the store, will be accessible through the restaurant section when the front doors are closed.

“The city and Knuckleheads are still working on figuring out the parking situation,” said owner Scott Taylor, “If anything, people will have to park on side streets and walk. This (construction) won’t be long term so it is nothing to worry about.”

Missa Sue’s Salon will use the door which is located in the alley behind her shop to get customers in and out.

AC Chiropractic had gravel laid out back for parking and will also use the back door. A sign will be posted above the back door, indicating it will be the main entrance when construction closes the front door.

Laurel’s Hometown Market will always have one of the two front doors open. Customers will still be able to park on the west side of the building. The grocery store, upon calling, is still doing curbside pick-up every day and deliveries on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Every business on Main Street will have to adapt to this change. If any questions arise, area residents are encouraged to call the business to ask about any changes they may have.

Many business owners have said they can’t wait to see the final project of Main Street.

“We should all be so thankful that our city has been looking for grants and putting in the time and effort to improve our small town,” said Taylor,

Taylor also works as a seeds salesman and has heard good comments about the community throughout his travels.

“(People in) Battle Creek and even Albion say that Laurel is what everyone is talking about,” he said. “With redoing Main Street and getting a new community center and fire hall, our town is growing.”

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