MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – Construction in downtown Manhattan still has a ways to go, but businesses say they’re excited for the new era of Aggieville.
“It’s going to give a much more enticing feel to Aggieville,” Dennis Cook, Aggieville Business Association director said.
The construction seeks to completely transform Aggieville, but it doesn’t come without its struggles for customers.
“I would say I still come here the same amount, but just more inconvenient,” customer Hannah Martin said.
“The parking is about the same,” customer Emily Martin said. “I like to walk over to the park and my walk is longer for that, you can’t just shoot straight across, you kind of have to weave through the construction. It adds a couple blocks to walk to the park.”
Cook says the city recently made the district’s parking garage completely free — something he hopes will drive more traffic to the area.
“You know, you had to download the app, you had to be registered and that caused some concern with some people,” he said. “But now it is free, 24 hours a day, you just can’t leave it there for 48 hours.”
“I don’t know if that many people realize that it’s free at this time, I’m definitely trying to spread the word,” Megan Springer, On The Wildside owner said. “It is very helpful and we’re thankful that they’ve made that decision.”
ALSO: City of Manhattan targets late June date for reopening of Anderson Ave.
Redevelopment will finish up on 12th Street at the end of the summer and pick back up on Moro Street early next year.
For now, business owners say it hasn’t impacted them too much.
“Overall the weekends have still been good, the weekdays have been pretty solid,” Tanner Hockenbury, Full Circle Dinner owner said. “Haven’t seen too much differential with the construction yet, but we also haven’t had the big kahuna construction coming down the street yet.”
But they are excited for what’s to come.
“I think it’s going to be a rough couple months, or rough however long the construction project is, but Aggieville really needs some work so I’m excited for what’s to come,” Hockenbury said.
“I sure hope so, you know, it’s been years long process,” Springer said. “I’ve been here through all of it and I plan on sticking around and seeing.”
Aggieville Business Association says the full redevelopment project is slated to finish in 2028.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.