Aggieville construction enters new phase as businesses adapt and look ahead
- Brian Nicholson
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Aggieville’s multi-year reconstruction project continues to reshape Manhattan’s historic bar district, bringing new outdoor spaces, updated utilities, and major long-term improvements — but not without short-term challenges for businesses and visitors. As the work progresses, leaders in the district say the transformation is starting to take visible shape.
New outdoor spaces taking form on 12th Street
According to Dennis Cook, director of the Aggieville Business Association, the block of 12th Street between Kites and Auntie Mae’s is one of the first areas nearing completion.
“The piece of 12th Street that goes from Moro south to the alley, between Kites and Auntie Mae’s — they should have that completed in the next two weeks,” Cook said. “With the canopies and the big blocks for seating, things like that. There’s two on both sides of the street, so Auntie Mae’s will end up with an outdoor area they can use, and there will also be one over by Fat Shack … Kites will end up with two — one at their south end, one at their north end.”
These new public spaces are part of the district’s long-term plan to create more pedestrian-friendly areas and expand outdoor seating for bars and restaurants. However, they also come with new rules and coordination. Jeff Denney, owner of Auntie Mae’s Parlor, said he is still working with the city on how his bar will use the outdoor area.
“We have some things to figure out with the city and state,” Denney said. “I know it’s city property, so we’ll have to have alcohol out there past 11 p.m., which is fine. We’re just gonna put a little café furniture around, and people will be able to sit out there and have a drink.”
Businesses push through early disruption
The first phase of construction created significant foot-traffic challenges, especially early on when fences and temporary walkways restricted access. Denney said the initial disruption began in May and made it difficult for customers to reach Auntie Mae’s.
“We had chain-link fences and little pathways with Astroturf going toward our door. It was kinda hard to find us,” Denney said. “I was amazed at how our customers supported us. Very grateful that our sales numbers really didn’t dip all that much through all that construction, because people knew that our customer base is pretty loyal. They found a way to get here, and they supported us through all of it.”
More closures ahead as project moves south
While the northern block of 12th Street approaches completion, the construction footprint will shift as work continues on Laramie Street. Cook said the next phase will bring more major closures but also take the project closer to the finish line.
“12th Street that goes from the alley further south to Laramie — that should be done by the end of January,” Cook said. “Once they get 12th Street done, where you can cross and go through and go toward the park, then we will see both blocks of Laramie go down, and they’ll both try to be up and running by late summer.”
The long debate: What should Moro Street become?
Looking ahead, city leaders and the Aggieville Business Association plan to spend significant time in 2026 discussing the future of Moro Street — particularly its parking setup and sidewalk width. Cook said every option changes how much space businesses can use for seating, events, and foot traffic.
“If you get rid of the parallel parking, you gain eight feet. That would mean the sidewalk on both sides of the street could be four feet wider,” Cook said. “If you kept parallel but got rid of the angle parking, then you could add 12 feet — six feet on both sides. Obviously, if you got rid of all parking, you can gain about 10 feet on both sides. But a lot of businesses don’t want to get rid of any parking.”
He expects the discussion to involve city officials, business owners, and the community.
“We’re gonna spend a lot of time in 2026 between the general public and the Aggieville businesses and the city,” Cook said. “We’re gonna be talking about what we want Moro to look like.”
A district in transition
As Aggieville moves deeper into its biggest infrastructure upgrade in decades, business leaders acknowledge the frustration but remain optimistic about the long-term vision: wider sidewalks, more outdoor gathering spaces, improved safety, and a refreshed entertainment district.
For now, the construction continues — but so does the district’s loyalty and support system, something business owners say has kept them going through months of disruption.