Winkie's Parking Lot Construction Finished

After nearly four weeks of construction, the parking lot behind Winkie's is open again.

The reconstruction project removed and replaced the existing storm sewer, lighting and pavement in the municipal lot behind and the lots behind and , which reopened in the beginning of June. Today was the contracted completion date of both projects, but crews will continue to work on minor touchups on the southeast exit ramp, which is expected to open Tuesday.

The new parking lot behind Winkie's features trees on the east side of the parking lot for the first time, as well as new parking lot lights and a concrete slab for the bike rack on the east side to sit on.

The village also installed new public parking signs at the entranceway to both lots.

Winkie’s owner John Stuhlmacher said there was not a noticeable effect on business sales during the construction project, and up until recently, the weather was good throughout the project.

"I'm just happy it's done and it looks great," he said.

In addition to the parking lots, the alleys in the business district were also touched up with new storm sewer, lighting, and pavement in the alleys. Alleys adjacent to the parking lots will be funded through the parking utility, and the reconstruction of the parking lots will be paid through the Tax Incremental Finance District.