Old Courthouse Square project drags into Christmas, dampening downtown business

During the time of year that’s usually a boon for businesses, if not the biggest sale period, those in downtown Santa Rosa affected by the continuing Old Courthouse Square construction have adopted a more fatalistic view about sales.

“We definitely will need a little extra support this season,” said Randy Harris, owner of Positively Fourth Street, despite the regular customer base he’s built during the past 22 years.

“You’re probably not in the retail business unless you’re an optimist,” he said. “But when are they really going to get it done?”

The latest estimate from the city is that the reunification, which began in late May, won’t be completed until March, said Jason Nutt, Santa Rosa’s director of Transportation and Public Works.

“Obviously business owners would like to have seen the project completed on time, but ... they’ve been pushing for this particular project to be completed, and I think they’re remaining optimistic about it,” Nutt said.

He also said the city has been working closely with business efforts and designated a marketing outreach coordinator specifically to get people downtown during construction.

“Obviously, we can’t financially support any particular businesses,” Nutt said. “But we can try to do our best so that the public realizes they’re still open.”

Since construction began, two restaurants on the square have closed, as has a third on Fourth Street.

Flavor Bistro, on the east side of the square, closed in November after almost 12 years at the location.

“It was just time for us to move,” co-owner Stu Patterson said in November. “We’re not going to point fingers, not at this stage of the game.”

Ancient Oak Cellars and Downtown Deli, on Fourth Street, closed this fall, and Seed to Leaf, a restaurant on the west side of the square, closed this summer.

“The mood is both anxious about how things are going, and very optimistic about what the future holds,” said Jonathan Coe, president and CEO of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. “I think people are concerned that the combination of the square being delayed, and the impact of a more visible homeless population, may impact the holidays, and everyone is working hard to make sure it doesn’t.”

The city has been working with retailers to alleviate some of the parking stress by allowing merchants to give customers vouchers for a free hour of parking in city garages.

That has been helpful, said Bernie Schwartz, owner of California Luggage Co. on Fourth Street, where business has been steady.

“In talking to my neighbors, some people’s business is flat and some are down,” Schwartz said. “Casual shoppers are probably avoiding the downtown because they think the project is more disruptive than it actually is.”

At Skeeter’s Gallery on Fourth Street, which is celebrating its 20th Christmas season this year, business is down, said owner Carolyn Jansen.

“A lot of people have a thing in their head about the square; that it’s messy, that it’s dirty,” she said. “I feel real fortunate that we’re still OK, but it’s been a rough go since all of this started. ... We’re just going to hang on tight and be real careful about what we’re doing financially. I love downtown. I don’t want to be anyplace else.”

You can reach Staff Writer Christi Warren at 707-521-5205 or christi.warren@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @SeaWarren.