LAYTON -- Construction on the south Layton interchange project has been going on for four months, and businesses most affected by the project are seeing mixed results.
As part of the $97 million project, crews will build a full interchange over Interstate 15 just north of the existing Main Street overpass, construct a new five-lane highway called the Layton Parkway stretching from Fort Lane to Flint Street, and reconstruct Main Street from the Parkway to Church Street.
Since late fall, heavy construction along Main Street from the interchange site to the Gentile Street intersection has made for an interesting winter for local businesses.
Some have been displaced, others have been hurting in the pocket book and some even say business has improved.
Iris Pettite has owned the LDS Apparel store at 21 S. Main St. since November and has worked at the store since June. She said business has slowed since work on the interchange started.
"I would say from the time I started working here in June to now, business seems to have gone down," Pettite said. "I haven't been here too long, but looking at the books, I think we're down a little."
Pettite said the slow economy also may have something to do with slower business.
"It's tough to say what the exact reason is," she said. "Is it the economy? Is it the construction? It's probably a combination of a few different things."
Annie Whittaker has owned Annie's Main Street Floral since 2001 and said business at her flower shop has been better than she expected.
"Surprisingly, business has been good," she said. "We have a loyal customer base, but I also think there has been a curiosity factor, where people are driving by to see what's going on with the interchange. In that regard, I think the interchange has actually helped."
Allco Auto Parts, Two Men and a Truck Moving Service, Sill's Cafe, Doug and Emmy's, and North Davis Gymnastics all have been forced to relocate because of construction associated with the project.
Sill's Cafe is not only surviving but thriving at its new location, just a few miles east at 335 E. Gentile.
"For us, it's kind of been a blessing in disguise," said Sill's Cafe owner John Sill. "We've been busy all day every day since we moved. We've had a little problem with not having enough parking because we're so busy, but that's a problem I'll take."
UDOT Region One spokesman Vic Saunders said the success of Sill's Cafe is what the state hopes for all businesses displaced by construction.
"We hope they all turn out like that," Saunders said. "Our goal is not to ruin people's lives. When we have to acquire property because of a project, it's not something we enjoy, but sometimes it's a necessity."
Doug & Emmy's Family Restaurant and Cafe hasn't been as lucky as Sill's Cafe. A Layton city landmark for more than 20 years, the restaurant will close soon, likely sometime after the new year.
Doug and Emmy's owner Emmy Criddle said she will be moving her restaurant south, to Mayfield in Sanpete County.
"I've worked at this restaurant for 20 years," she said. "It's really hard to explain the feelings you have after you've dedicated your life to something, then out of nowhere you have to pick up and leave."
Saunders said as the project progresses, all area businesses will remain open. The project is expected to be finished by December 2010.
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