WHITEFISH BAY - The landscape of downtown Whitefish Bay is changing. After almost a year, a construction project is complete.

The opening couldn't come soon enough for businesses who have struggled the last several months. Now, they're hoping the tough economy smoothes out along with the roadway.

In years past, having a row of cars drive through Whitefish Bay wasn't  that big a deal, but on Friday it was a reason to celebrate.

"It doesn't feel like a ghost town. We're really excited."

Village leaders threw a party after officially opening Silver Spring Drive to traffic. Since October, the street has been closed for a $2 million beautification. The construction improved sidewalks and roadways.

"We still saw our regulars but business was cut," says one shop owner.

In fact, the folks at Regina's Bay Bakery say business dropped 30% in the last several months. At times customers had to walk through the kitchen just to get in the store.

"I wasn't crazy about it but people had placed orders and they had to pick up their product."

Shop owners say just in the last few days business has surged because of this opening. And some even believe the recession's stranglehold is starting to loosen.

"I think looking forward, I think it's looking positive and we're looking up and we're all excited."

While most businesses survived the construction, a few left Silver Spring Dr. in part because of the work being done.