Vault on Main construction creating issues for downtown business

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – Construction on the Vault on Main in downtown Evansville is moving along, but one business says it comes at the expense of customers. Adam Morris, co-owner of Your Brother’s Bookstore, says noise and vibrations have created a difficult environment for shoppers and business itself.

“The construction is causing such a nuisance that people are leaving our store,” says Morris.

The long-awaited Vault on Main project is now causing new headaches for downtown business. Morris says he understands, but believes his business is now being affected. “Obviously there’s construction going on, we recognize all of that and we’re okay with it,” explains Morris. “We encourage progress, we’re open to it, we want it, but the construction has been hurting our business pretty heavily.”

Our cameras picked up the noise and the shaking along Main Street during construction. Morris says the vibrations were so bad, a customer had to leave the store. In a video posted to social media, Morris gives a glimpse of what each business day is like.

“The video online doesn’t really do it justice,” says Morris. “Even standing here, we’ve been feeling the building shake. The building shakes non-stop.”

Morris says he has reached out to city officials, including the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District, but says the store’s concerns are often not addressed, or altogether ignored. “The only way that we can get attention is when we publicly say things. And it’s to the point now that I’m speaking to Eyewitness News,” says Morris.

Adam Trinkel with Downtown Evansville released a statement to Eyewitness News regarding the ongoing Vault on Main construction. The statement can be read in full below.

“The Vault on Main development is long-awaited in Downtown Evansville. With 160 units of housing, this development will welcome hundreds of new residents to our neighborhood. Contractors have worked to maintain as minimal impact as possible by keeping streets open for vehicular traffic. We recognize that the noise and construction is inconvenient to surrounding residents and businesses, but encourage people to continue to support our local businesses in Downtown Evansville. Through our events and other initiatives, our organization works to increase consumer footfall and ultimately consumer spending Downtown. We have witnessed the positive impact of housing projects like the Post House and look forward to the opening of the Vault on Main.” – Adam Trinkel, Executive Director – Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District.

What’s next for the bookstore? Morris says it all hinges on August’s fundraising efforts. “If that fundraising push doesn’t help us, I’m probably going to close the doors in September.”

Morris says moving locations is a last resort, but that option is in play. We asked the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-Rep) for comment. They say they are excited for the Vault on Main, but referred us to CRG Residential to address noise complaints. We made attempts to call CRG Residential, but were unable to leave a message.

More from Cody Bailey

• Documents show plans for Warrick County sports complex
• Mid-States Corridor begins Dubois County study
• New visual enhancements coming to the Ford Center
• “I’m not surprised”: Neighbor reacts to Louisiana Street murder
• Businesses reopening after Mount Vernon tornado

Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).