LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Construction in Louisville’s NuLu neighborhood is stretching on longer than expected, forcing some businesses to make big changes — and even relocate.
For more than a year, cones and barricades have lined East Market Street as part of a $12 million streetscape project aimed at improving sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic flow and parking. The project began in the summer of 2024 and was originally expected to wrap up several weeks ago.
But Louisville Metro Public Works said the timeline has been extended because of frequent pauses during major events in NuLu and unexpected delays related to the street’s age.
Construction continued in NuLu along East Market Street in Louisville, Kentucky, on Oct. 6, 2025. (WDRB photo)
“It definitely has impacted us,” said Kristina Haysley, manager of Mahonia, a plant and home goods store that’s been in NuLu for eight years. “Construction was in front of our building for 128 days. Our door was inaccessible for about a week and a half.”
After months of slow sales, Mahonia is moving from East Market Street to the Kroger Plaza in St. Matthews.
“It really put a damper on all of the spring sales and the traffic coming to and from,” Haysley said. “It’s sad to leave, but we’re excited for our next chapter.”
The city removed several large trees along the street to make way for the project — a move that drew pushback from residents and business owners. Public Works said new trees and landscaping will be added once construction is finished.
Some who frequent NuLu said they’re eager for the work to end but believe it will pay off in the long run.
“I think I speak on behalf of a lot of people down here,” said business owner Chris Roark. “We’re just going to breathe a little easier and know that in a few months it’s going to be a non-conversation.”
The city expects construction to be complete around the same time as the NuLu Halloween Fest and Parade on Oct. 25.
More Coverage:
NuLu businesses say prolonged construction hurting sales ahead of festival weekend
Work begins on $12 million project to transform East Market Street in NuLu
Plans unveiled for new NuLu cityscape that would reduce parking
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