Businesses struggle as construction continues in downtown Buchanan 

BUCHANAN, Mich. -- There has been some confusion as to when the Buchanan downtown construction project will be complete.

According to a post on Facebook from the city, the project is nearing the 60% completion mark.

ABC 57 spoke with the mayor as well as Michael Schwartz from Prein and Newhof and they say that most of the construction will be completed by November, but there will be some beautification projects that push that completion date into spring of 2026.

This project has been very frustrating for business owners on the affected roads. Because of the lack of convenient access to these businesses, less people are visiting downtown.

Andrea Heimbuch, Server at Hilltop Creekside Cafe says, “even though there's still parking available it's not convenient for those that do have health issues and ailments because our front entrance is our handicap access.”

This decrease brings tough times to workers, as Heimbuch says, she may have to look for a second job to keep up with the bills.

Andrea Heimbuch tells us, “Take a $400 paycheck and cut it by 40 percent and try to pay your bills with it.”

Many businesses along this stretch have had to let go of employees due to the lack of customers.

Heimbuch says, “Due to construction and other things we do almost have a skeleton crew at this point.”

Many businesses remain hopeful that things will return to normal after this project is complete.

Joseph Paolucci, Co-Owner of Sweet Shop Cafe Italiano says, “hopefully we can salvage the business and continue so that we can continue to provide for the community.”

To see updates on the project you can visit.