Change is coming to Lake Ivanhoe’s eclectic business district, and merchants are hoping they can keep their identity as a planned August groundbreaking approaches for the mixed-use project that will include apartments, stores and restaurants.
What impact the development known as The Yard will have on parking, traffic and overall character of the neighborhood is a source of anxiety for the owners of shops, restaurants and bars.
On one hand, local merchants are anticipating more business, especially from young professionals moving in. On the other hand, there are worries about gentrification.
“It’s exciting and scary at the same time,” said Blue Star, owner of events space The Venue, which will close to make way for the complex. The developer has offered her a spot in the new buildings.
“We know that things aren’t going to stay the same forever. It’s just a question of how different things will be,” Star said.