SEATTLE, Wash. — The next phase of Seattle's Seawall construction project has businesses closing up shop this week.
More than a dozen will stay closed for nine months.
One noticeable closure will be at Pier 54.
Ivars Seafood Restaurant & Chowder will be closed for nine months, starting Monday.
The changes are coming October 1.
The work zone will expand along Alaskan Way between Madison and Pike streets, closing 15 businesses at Piers 54 through some of 57.
Starbucks at Pier 55 closed Friday.
At Pier 56, Simply Seattle worker Daniel Phoenix is among hundreds of Waterfront employees being laid off.
"After this I'm just going to take a little time off and then look for a new job," said Phoenix.
The city is paying affected businesses $15 million for the temporary closure.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop says--even so--it'll hurt its bottom line.
"The compensation money is obviously going to be less than we'd make if we were open for business," said Neal James, one of the owners.
The Seattle Aquarium will remain open.
Other business down Alaskan Way will also remain open.
To help showcase those businesses, a free music festival and light show will be held Oct. 4 at the Waterfront Park by the Greet Wheel.
SDOT workers spent Sunday removing parking meters and signs.
Parking will be reduced to the area near the Aquarium and Pier 62,63, leaving visitors with fewer options.
“It's going to be be crazy. it's going to be well-planned out, you'll have to carpool down, bus, I'm not sure," said Kevin Kramer of Des Moines, Washington.
The affected businesses are expected to reopen next June.
KIRO
