A two-year construction project in the heart of downtown Vancouver will be paused from Thanksgiving through New Year’s to try to help small businesses recoup losses from months of construction interruptions.

“Main Street Promise” is a 10-block linear redevelopment that will replace aging sewer and water mains, transforming the surface street into a pedestrian and bike-friendly route through downtown. Once completed, the revitalized Main Street will terminate a few blocks from the city’s recently redeveloped waterfront district.

“It’s really just a chance for us to pause what will be a two-year construction process while it’s the holiday season,” said Chris Harder, Vancouver’s deputy director of economic prosperity and housing.

The five-week construction pause will be a chance for businesses to attract foot traffic during the holiday period that’s critical for retail sales. It’s a reprieve that can’t come soon enough for some.

“It’s been markedly slow,” said Lynn Robinson, at Love Potion Magickal Perfumerie, which sells everything from tarot cards to smudge sticks and tea. “I think we had a thriving business prior to [construction], but foot traffic has absolutely slowed down.”

The shop has been relying on regular customers during construction, Robinson said, but the combination of heavy machinery noise, sidewalk closures and parking confusion has reduced business. They’re not anticipating enough foot traffic to justify being open on Black Friday.

“I think we’re all just kind of limping along,” she said. “We’re just hoping that we can make it all the way through this without anyone really closing.”

Further down Main Street at the clothing store Wild Fern, owner Dianna Gaines estimates that she’s had a 25% loss because of the street closure directly outside her store.

“It will take a long time to make up,” Gaines said, referring to the years-long construction project as “a second COVID” for retailers like her.

The city of Vancouver has taken a number of steps to try to support businesses during construction. Partnering with Vancouver’s Downtown Association, they recently launched a holiday shopping guide that promotes Main Street businesses and a social media advertising campaign. The city is also hosting “small business Saturday” and “first Friday” art walk events on Main Street.

Overall, the construction seems to be amplifying other economic challenges like tariffs and inflation, according to Michael Walker, executive director of Vancouver’s Downtown Association. The “mixed bag” he’s witnessed means that some niche businesses along Main Street are doing fine, while others located far outside the construction zone are struggling. Many restaurants on Main Street have been impacted, he said.

“The destination-oriented businesses seem to be doing OK because folks will seek those opportunities,” Walker said. “But it’s kind of mixed on the street, depending on the specific business sector.”

After 11 months, the underground utility work phase is complete, and Main Street has largely been put back together. Phase two will return to full swing in mid-February, according to Harder. That step will include installing wider sidewalks, new streetlights and reconfiguring parking.

The project is currently operating slightly ahead of schedule, according to Harder. The city hopes it will be completed by the end of 2026.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/11/28/vancouver-washington-main-street-redevelopment-holidays/