Businesses Brace for 63rd Avenue Bridge Construction
Construction on the 63rd Avenue bridge in Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove begins Monday, April 15. That closure is going to affect access to a number of businesses on the Maple Grove side of Highway 169.
A number of those businesses are small — they’re the fabric of the community.
One of those stores is Four Seasons Quilts. The shop has been there for 13 years, according to owner Joann Atkins.
“It’s artistic, it’s creative and it’s functional,” Atkins said.
Her shop is a quilter’s haven. It carries fabrics, books, patterns, and most importantly — classes.
“The most important thing we have to offer is help,” Atkins said. “Many people come in here and want quilts, and then lots of times they decide they’re going to take a class and learn how to quilt themselves.”
JoAnn Atkins, owner of Four Seasons Quilts in Maple Grove, is concerned her business could close because of reduced traffic.
Construction Notice
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is replacing the bridge on 63rd, which connects part of Maple Grove to Brooklyn Park. The bridges will be fully replaced, with improved lighting, signage and drainage.
The construction will also extend the acceleration lanes on 63rd. MnDOT’s website said there will be no access to Highway 169 from 63rd Avenue.
“That will be closed for the duration of the summer construction season, through October,” said MnDOT spokesperson Ricardo Lopez.
Because Four Seasons is located just off the 63rd Street exit, Atkins is worried that will create a major drop in business. It’s not easy to access the malls on that side of the highway without 63rd.
Drivers will likely have to access the shopping centers by traveling from Interstate 94, 73rd Avenue North and eventually Magda Drive.
A shopping mall of 63rd Avenue. Access to the mall will be impacted by the 63rd Avenue bridge reconstruction project in Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove.
Atkins said she hadn’t heard about the construction until recently, with no word from MnDOT.
“I heard about it when the signs went up on the road about a week ago,” she said. “I was upset that I didn’t know ahead of time, so I could prepare my customers to get here.”
Across the street on the Maple Grove side of 63rd, Tariq Isaacson is one of the owners of Knight’s Chamber, which sells suits for weddings and formal events.
The business opened in Maple Grove in 2021.
“If it weren’t for, originally, a customer coming to us and commenting that the bridge closure was happening a couple weeks ago and prompting us to start digging into it, we probably would’ve been caught off guard,” Isaacson said.
Looking Ahead
Two shoppers told CCX they came into Knight’s Chamber on Wednesday to take care of business before the bridge closed on the 15th.
Isaacson said he’s hopeful that business will stay steady. It has a strong online presence and a specific niche.
“One thing unique about us is that we actually carry a lot of the more fun, unique styles that you’re not finding at the average suit store,” Isaacson said, showing an array of patterned suit styles.
But back at Four Seasons, Atkins worries for the future of her quilt shop.
“I think that it’s going to be major,” Atkins said. “I’m worried about staying in business. I am.”
As April 15 grows closer, both businesses will have to rely on word of mouth to stay together. Stitch by stitch.
