HURON — In a similar scenario to when the downtown section of Dakota Ave., was rebuilt approximately 25 years ago, businesses have become creative in their efforts to market goods and services this summer.

Construction began earlier this summer on a project that will see no only the re-configuration of the driving and parking areas along both sides of Dakota Ave., but will change the sidewalks as well.

Consequently, Dakota Ave., access to those businesses in the downtown area have been limited for the majority of the construction thus far, with a few absolute closures as city infrastructure - water and sewer lines - as well as some electrical work was completed.

Patrons have thus far been able to use both 2nd and 3rd Street, on either side of Dakota, to park to access the respective businesses.

Between 2nd and 3rd Streets, there are also two municipal parking lots, on just off Kansas Ave., and another across the street from city hall along Wisconsin Ave.

West side, Market to 2nd

At the far north end of this year’s construction, the Dollar General store’s parking lot has also been a place for patrons of Office Peeps and Diamonds in the Rough Boutique. Additional access in the parking lot on the corner of 2nd Street helps patrons of the two ethnic grocery stores that flank its north and west sides.

West side, 2nd to 3rd
The core of businesses in this block have access to the large parking lot on the west half of the block. In fact, many of these businesses have back-door entrances that are used as much, if not more, than entries along Dakota Ave. or 3rd Street.

Hurst’s Corner and Huron Luxury Cinema patrons are still able to use parking on 2nd Street, as well as the back parking lot.

The businesses located in both Center Plaza and the newly remodeled River’s Edge Apartments and Business Suites directly to its north have long relied on parking in the back parking lot.

The River’s Edge Business Suites is occupied by a wide range of businesses - Edward Jones Investment, Mac Daddy Repair and Wager Family Chiropractic top the list. In Center Plaza, businesses Don’t Spill the Beans, Just Fabulous Boutique, Trendz Day Spa and the Huron branch of the Dept. of Public Safety’s driver license exam station use the back door off the parking lot, or encourage customers to use the entrance on 3rd Street.

East side 2nd to 3rd
On the east side of Dakota, parking on both 2nd and 3rd Streets are important to many of the business, while the parking lot off Kansas Ave., provides access for patrons walking through the mall between Sherwin Williams Paint Store and PB Sports.

La Patrona Mexican Restaurant, on the corner of 2nd Street, has opened a back entrance for patrons during construction, as has PB Sports. POP Ice Cream parlor has encouraged those in search of a sweet treat by offering an ever-changing menu of items.

Both Cornerstones Financial and Cornerstones Career Learning Center patrons have access via an entryway off 3rd Street.

East side Market to 2nd
The businesses in this block benefit from either largely providing services outside of their building - Crist Locksmiths and Custom Craft for instance - while Lazer’s customers are able to use a back entrance, although the drive-up window for the business has been affected