Arts District Sales Fall During Drain Work

Business owners in the Las Vegas Arts District say a storm drain construction project on Charleston Boulevard has reduced customer traffic and sales.

The project involves extensive excavation and road closures. These changes have forced merchants to deal with blocked driveways and confusing detours. One shop, Dig It! Coffee Shop, closed earlier this spring. Other owners now report facing similar financial strain.

Tina Spreull, owner of Artistic Ironworks, said construction crews have blocked her driveway at times. She noted that even when access is open, many customers hesitate to navigate the detours. Spreull said her business has operated for 50 years and employs more than 50 people. She estimated sales are down at least 30 percent. She added that the drop may be larger this month. Spreull said she receives daily phone calls from customers asking if the shop is open and how to find it.

Claire Conrad of The Conrad West Gallery reported a sharp decline in visitors. She said monthly foot traffic dropped from 1,500 to 150. Conrad said she must pay rent and utilities despite the low volume. Tony Martinez, who owns multiple restaurants in the district, said foot traffic is down at each location. He attributed the decline to what feels like back-to-back projects. Martinez said customers from Charleston Boulevard often drive past because access is cut off. He said the area has seen construction for so long that residents do not remember what the street looks like without it.

Business owners asked the city to implement a 24-hour work schedule to speed up the process. Mayor Shelley Berkley said that is not possible. She explained that concrete needs time to cure before crews can continue work. Berkley said the city is moving as fast as it can.

The Charleston storm drain project began in 2021 near Maryland and Charleston. It has moved west with rolling street closures. The current portion is on track to be completed by the end of November. However, paving and final phases will not be complete until the end of 2027. The city said construction is expected to last two additional years.

The project covers Charleston Boulevard from Commerce Street to Maryland Parkway. It also includes Maryland Parkway from Franklin Avenue to Charleston Boulevard. The work includes new sewer and water infrastructure, pavement, and pedestrian updates. Traffic signal modifications and median construction are also part of the plan. The city said the project ties into a previous storm drain project in the area. A city fact sheet noted the project was set to begin in summer 2025. The full plan is available in the Charleston storm drain fact sheet.