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Market District merchants say construction detours cut revenue by a fifth; city pledges accelerated work and better signage
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Summary
Businesses in Tallahassee’s Market District told the commission they have lost 20–25% of revenue since McLeay Boulevard closures; city staff said phasing changes and contractor coordination aim to reopen key roadways and complete a roundabout within 30–45 days, subject to construction risks.
Merchants who operate in Tallahassee’s Market District told the City Commission on Feb. 18 that recent roadway closures tied to a multi‑phase park, pond and road reconstruction project have sharply reduced customers and staff hours.
Business owner Sam Osborne said three of his restaurants in the Market District have seen sales drop by double digits after the closure of Maclay Boulevard and related detours. ‘‘If it stays on track to actually be completed at the end of this year, it’s actually gonna be more devastating than COVID was,’’ Osborne said, describing a roughly 20–25% fall in foot traffic and staff hours.
City project manager Molly Levesque reviewed the combined Market District scope — a park, an enhanced stormwater pond and full roadway reconstruction — and explained why city and Blueprint teams bundled three contracts to shorten overall construction time. To speed reopening of Maclay Boulevard the city combined separate construction zones, and staff said they have asked the contractor to prioritize roundabout construction at the McLeay/McLeay Commerce intersection; Levesque said the targeted roundabout‑construction window is 30–45 days once the work begins.
Merchants emphasized three practical requests: clearer directional signage and detour messages so customers can find open access points, a March 1 start to the roundabout sequence so the 30–45 day clock begins sooner, and monthly updates to the commission so staff progress is transparent. City staff and the manager said resources were being shifted from park work to road work to accelerate the reopening; staff also acknowledged trade‑offs for park delivery timing but said they had negotiated that sequencing with Blueprint partners.
What’s next: Staff agreed to confirm the contractor’s March 1 availability, improve on‑street and wayfinding signage, and provide a commission update at the March meeting if the commission requests it. The City voted unanimously to accept the informational update and encouraged continued communication between businesses and project staff.
Fiscal and program details: Staff explained the project includes underground utilities, new sidewalks, decorative pavers, landscaping and two roundabouts. The roadway work began in earnest in fall 2025 and construction intensified in January 2026; staff said some short, late‑phase closures will be needed for final paving and striping but can be scheduled at times that minimize commerce interruption.
Representative quote: ‘‘Our businesses are down 20 to 25 percent. That’s lives and families,’’ Market District Association president Serena Moyle told the commission.
