Construction on Jeweler's Row Affecting Business
By Lily Corral, Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University
The construction along Wabash Avenue may be troublesome for some, but for the businesses of Jewelers Row it has meant a slip in sales.
Jewelers Row is located on a stretch of Wabash Avenue, between East Washington Street and East Monroe Street. Dozens of Chicago jewelers with a long-standing reputation have called this area home for many years.
“We still have our regular clients, but it’s negatively affected sales by 20 percent for us,” George Pappageorge of RL Jewelers said.
The Chicago Transit Authority began construction on a new Washington/Wabash station in March. According to an announcement by the CTA, the new station will replace stations on Wabash at Randolph and Wabash at Madison; the latter has already been closed. The new station will serve the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple lines.
Some jewelers believe the construction is to blame for a loss of business.
“People don’t want to go through all this hell to get down here,” David Brochin of Golden Dream Jewelers said.
Other jewelers remain optimistic that the construction will be worth it in the end.
“Obviously we wish things would go a little faster, but hopefully when it’s finished it will bring in more business,” Victor Gomez of Windy City Diamonds said. “It’s time to renovate and keep the area moving forward.”
Area jewelry stores will have to find a way to deal with the construction because the station is not expected to be completed until next year.
“It’s about an 18 month-long project and it should be finished around the end of 2016, depending on the weather and other factors,” said Mike Claffey, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The businesses are not only worried about a decrease in profits, but also concerned for their customers’ safety.
“Usually we offer a valet service right outside the door, but now that’s a block away,” said Tushar Parikh, owner of Prudential Gem and Jewelry. “People don’t feel comfortable leaving the store with expensive jewelry in their pockets.”
According to Parikh, the majority of his clients drive to see him and this has been a main point of concern for him.
“It’s not the same,” said Miguel Aguilar, valet driver for several area jewelry stores. “We used to park cars along Randolph and Wabash, but now we are taking the cars to Millennium Park.”
The parking situation has proven to be difficult for both the customer and the business owners.
“I’ve had a couple of people call me that they are running late for an appointment because they didn’t realize all the construction was here,” Victor Gomez said. “It’s difficult to get around here and, unfortunately, that keeps some business away.”