Construction in downtown DeKalb has received positive reaction from some local businesses.

Mary Wilson, owner of The Hillside Restaurant, 121 N. Second St., said that despite the construction, her restaurant’s business has not been affected.

“We are very lucky to have the customer base that we have with people still showing up as usual,” Wilson said.

She has found the construction to be difficult at times but knows that it will be worth the wait in the long run.

“It has had its ups and downs, but in the end, the downtown area will have a fresh new appearance and will hopefully get more people to experience our businesses,” she said.

Trevor Turner, manager of O’Leary’s, 260 E. Lincoln Highway, finds the construction to have caused some difficulties with parking in terms of availability but says that is nothing new with any city.

“Parking is always limited when it comes to construction, and it doesn’t matter what city it is, it just takes time,” he said.

He also thinks that construction can create benefits.

“It causes an interest with people and can help out businesses,” Turner said.

Bill McMahon, owner of Lincoln Inn Family Restaurant & Bakery, 240 E. Lincoln Highway, feels that more people will be around the downtown area because of the construction.

“It will draw more people around here with a cleaner and renovated look,” he said.

He also likes the fact that because of the construction, his restaurant has been easier to spot.

“A building was taken down across from here that has given residents more visibility toward our restaurant,” McMahon said.

Jennifer Groce, executive director of Re:New DeKalb, said the construction that is affecting a portion of the downtown area is a few months away from being finished.

“The main goal is to make sure that parking lot four near the businesses will be done by Thanksgiving, which will be just in time for the holidays,” Groce said.

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