Czech Village merchants among the most eager to see museum reopen

The long-awaited opening of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library this weekend is definitely raising hopes and morale among merchants in Czech Village.

In 2008, floodwaters swamped both the museum and nearby businesses and homes. With buyouts, a number of the homes in the ethnic neighborhood simply disappeared in the ensuing years. But many existing Czech Village businesses made repairs and reopened, and new business owners have moved into the area. All are eagerly awaiting the museum and the thousands of visitors it should bring to the area.

Lou Thompson opened the Village Market just a few months ago, making her one of the newest retailers in Czech Village. But it didn't take Thompson long to figure out just how big a role the museum will play in her own future business prospects.

"You know it will be long term. There will be spikes (of visitors) and it'll even out. But nonetheless, it'll be 70 percent busier for me than it is now," Thompson said.

Museum leaders expect about 10,000 visitors combined on Saturday and Sunday for the grand opening. After that, they forecast about 55,000 people a year will go through the museum doors. That's at least a 50 percent increase over the pre-flood attendance numbers.

Deb Anson, owner of the Red Frog, was one of the first to repair her business on 16th Avenue SW after the flood. She's excited about the museum reopening, but cautious because it won't solve all her current business concerns.

"It helps, but I don't think it will be a fix. There's still a lot to recover. We lost our neighborhood. That was a big whammy," Anson said.

Czech Village Association President Calvin Spinka was also cautiously optimistic.

"Hopefully, the traffic in the village will increase. That's what we all need down here -- people to come and see what's going on," he said.

Merchants said the new museum will bring changes for them as well. Some may consider longer, or more weekend hours, to coincide with the museum hours and special events.

And all are eager to see what life is like with a major area attraction back at full strength.