LOVELAND, Colo. — The owners of a longtime bakery in downtown Loveland said they’re at risk of closing due to ongoing construction that’s slowed traffic and scared away customers.
Dana Brungardt, co-owner of B Sweet Cupcakes, said foot traffic on 4th Street has dropped dramatically since the city began a major infrastructure project in February. The construction has also taken away all street parking in front of the store.
“We’re lucky to see two or three customers a day,” Brungardt said.
She and her mother have been serving cupcakes in downtown Loveland for 15 years. Their business relies heavily on walk-ins from people exploring the area, something Brungardt said has become rare since construction began.
The city broke ground on the multi-year downtown improvement project in February. Officials said it’s necessary to replace 100-year-old water and sewer lines, as well as update sidewalks and streetscapes to make downtown more accessible and business-friendly.
City officials said other downtown businesses have “navigated the project successfully, and concerns expressed in this instance are not reflective of the broader experience downtown.”
But for B Sweet Cupcakes, Brungardt said the impact has been harsh, and walk-in sales are down 40%
“I’ve had some customers call and say, ‘We’re here. How do we get to you?’ We try to give them directions as best we can, but we’ve had those people who — they never actually make it to the door,” Brungardt said.
Despite signage throughout the area assuring customers that businesses remain open, Brungardt worries her shop might not survive the disruption.
“By the time this project comes to an end, we’ll be in the hole and trying to dig ourselves out as we head into slow season,” she said.
But she won’t be digging alone. Willow and Finch, a boutique a few blocks away, pledged to donate 10% of its Sunday afternoon sales to B Sweet Cupcakes.
“We know how hard it is just staying in business, and we feel for them,” said Becky Filler, co-owner of Willow and Finch. “It takes a village to support each other.”
City officials said the current phase of construction, from Washington to Lincoln avenues, is expected to wrap up in November. After that, work will continue on three additional blocks of 4th Street. The entire project is expected to be completed in November 2026.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
