CLINTON, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) — Downtown Clinton is about 82% finished with a major infrastructure renovation that has tested small business owners for more than a year, according to the Historic Downtown Clinton organization.
The $9.9 million project started in March 2025 and has left Market Street looking more like a construction zone than a shopping destination. Workers have replaced hundred-year-old water, sewer and storm drain lines under the street. Now they are pouring new sidewalks, building planters and wall seating.
City leaders expect to repave Market Street and be mostly back to normal by mid-May.
Despite months of gravel, dust and limited access, downtown leaders said they have not lost a single business to construction. However, those who are there have had to adapt.
Walker’s family has been on the street since 1930. She said this has been the most difficult obstacle the town has faced in her lifetime.
Dawn Rader, owner of A Joy in the Dawn, said she was up 60% to 80% in sales before construction began in 2021. The past holiday season was one of her toughest yet.
“It has been a challenge. It has definitely impacted sales,” Rader said. “We’ve really had to pivot — working hard on social media and our website, even letting people in through my office door in the back.”
Katherine Birkbeck, executive director of Historic Downtown Clinton, said the underground work was essential even though it was not visible to customers.
“This project started with replacing hundred-year-old drainage, sewer and water lines. It’s not the pretty part, but it had to be done for downtown to grow,” Birkbeck said.
Birkbeck said business owners were able to pivot during the construction.
“We wanted to work really hard to protect them during this time, but I have to hand it to them, most of the businesses, they were able to pivot themselves in a great positive direction, using their back doors, offering curbside pickup, online shopping as a small business — it’s that ability to adjust,” she said.
The project is now in what Birkbeck called the finishing touches stage. Workers are pouring sidewalks and installing planters and wall seating. About 200 mature trees will be planted on Market Street alone.
The downtown area will also feature speakers on lampposts that will play music, funded by a broadband-ready grant.
Business owners said they are looking forward to the completed project.
“We’re so ready for it to be over, but I think it’s going to be beautiful. Lots of seating, music, lighting — I’m really excited for what’s coming,” Rader said.
The Mosaic Arts Festival is scheduled for April 18, and the Antique Festival will take place May 1-2, just as the construction wraps up.
Downtown Clinton Construction (WVLT)
