In March, Nack Development was scheduled to complete The Patios at the Rail, Nack Theater and The Tower at the Rail, according to previous reporting by Community Impact Newspaper.
The Patios is expected to bring rooftop patios, retail and restaurants to the Rail District. Nack Theater will hold a performing arts theater, and The Tower at the Rail will deliver eight luxury brownstones.
These developments are now projected to be completed in May, Nack Development President and owner Donny Churchman said, adding that the virus playing a factor in their delay.
“Coronavirus has significantly slowed us down, but then, you couple that with weather days as well,” Churchman said.
While many businesses deemed as nonessential have closed due to coronavirus, commercial and residential construction is considered essential, and Nack Development's projects have continued.
However, Churchman said many laborers have been unwilling to work due to fear of contracting the virus, which has played a major part in construction delays. There have been instances where up to seven workers were expected to work and only one showed, he said.
“You can’t force someone to show up to work in this environment,” Churchman said.
Paid-for lunches and dinners have been available on some days for those able to work, Churchman said. Laborers have also been able to take home meals from Pizzeria Testa for their families.
“[We want to] really let them know we appreciate them showing up,” Churchman said.
With uncertainty as to when the virus will pass, Churchman said opening dates for these three developments are still up in the air.
“We will be open, it’s just a matter of when we’ll be allowed to,” he said. “Does this hit us hard? Sure, it does. But we’re committed to getting these projects done."
