Roadwork Is Taking a Toll on George Floyd Square Businesses

George Floyd Square is a place of remembrance, community, and connection. It is also home to small businesses whose owners have invested in the neighborhood and want to see it thrive.

But a road closure changes more than the route you take. It changes the way of customers getting to the local businesses. Since road construction began at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, business owners have faced a difficult question: How do you keep a business going when customers struggle to reach you?

For the people working at George Floyd Square, the effects of construction reach beyond road closures. Reduced access has meant fewer customers, lost revenue, and growing concern about what the next phase will bring.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Do not miss out our events and tips to experience the Square.

The City of Minneapolis began street and infrastructure construction at George Floyd Square on June 8, 2026. The project is expected to continue into 2027, with another phase of road closures planned for the spring.

Before construction began, local business owners raised concerns about how road closures would affect their ability to serve customers. For approximately a year, they worked with the city and asked for traffic to remain open in at least one direction.

That access was not maintained as requested. For businesses that depend on customers being able to reach their doors, the impact has been significant.

Road Construction at George Floyd Square

When roads close and routes change, a trip to a neighborhood business becomes less convenient. Customers may have difficulty finding a way in, seeing that businesses are open, or knowing where to park. Some may decide to visit another time and never return.

During construction, businesses experienced revenue declines of 70% to 90%, and one business closed. Behind those numbers are business owners working to cover rent, pay employees, and keep their doors open.

Business owners are concerned about whether they will have the resources to make it through another phase of roadwork. They want to remain at George Floyd Square, but they need access and support to do so.

The Impact on George Floyd Square Businesses

People come to George Floyd Square to honor George Floyd, visit the memorial, and learn about the community. Their presence matters to the neighborhood.

Some visitors discover local businesses while they are here. They stop for coffee, visit a gallery, shop, or return later with friends and family. Those visits create connections and help support the people who work around the Square.

Visits to the memorial have helped keep the neighborhood visible during construction. As the next phase approaches, business owners are concerned about how changes to the memorial and access to the Square will affect visitors and the businesses that depend on them.

Why Visits to the Memorial Matter

The memorial is central to George Floyd Square and brings visitors from around the world to the neighborhood. Local business owners are concerned about plans to remove memorial elements during construction and what will happen afterward.

The City of Minneapolis has said it plans to preserve, document, and reinstall memorials and artwork in collaboration with artists and community members. Even with that commitment, business owners remain concerned about whether the memorial will be returned and how its removal will affect visits to the Square.

They are asking for clear communication about what will be moved, where it will go, and when it will return. The memorial matters both as a place to honor George Floyd and as a reason people continue to visit the neighborhood and discover its businesses.

Concerns About the George Floyd Square Memorial

With another phase of construction planned for spring 2027, George Floyd Square businesses are asking for attention to the challenges they have already experienced.

Clear access routes, signs showing that businesses are open, regular communication, and financial support are important to business owners preparing for more disruption. They want to remain in the neighborhood and continue serving the community.

The people at George Floyd Square have built relationships here through their businesses, events, and shared spaces. Their hope is that improvements to the area will include the support needed for those businesses to remain part of its future.

Looking Ahead to the Next Phase

You can make a difference by continuing to visit George Floyd Square during construction. Before you come, check for current road closures and allow extra time to reach your destination.

While you are here:

• Shop locally. Visit the stores, galleries, and other businesses around the Square.

• Share local businesses. Tell friends and family about the places you visit and share them on social media.

• Attend an event. Community gatherings bring people together and introduce visitors to the neighborhood.

• Take a tour. Learn more about the history of George Floyd Square and the community surrounding it.

• Keep coming back. Continued support matters throughout construction and beyond.

How to Support George Floyd Square Businesses

George Floyd Square is more than an intersection. It is a neighborhood with business owners, artists, residents, and visitors who care about its future. Your support helps local businesses continue to be part of that future.

Questions? Let Us Know