SPIRIT LAKE - Chuck Gruenwald likes the $1 million downtown makeover in Spirit Lake.

"It's a big improvement from what it was," the area resident said.

Whether it lures in any businesses, though, he has his doubts.

"I'm not sure if it will make a difference in the economy or attract people to downtown," Gruenwald said.

The Maine Street improvements have drawn high praise from many. The new sidewalks, benches, garbage bins, water main and street are complete. The final pieces, expected to be in place before Thanksgiving, are two bike racks, trees and decorative lights. The project is expected to finish slightly ahead of schedule.

"It certainly is a more attractive area," said Mayor Todd Clary. "It's really a huge improvement."

The district is now compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and deteriorating sidewalks are no longer tripping hazards.

"It dresses the town up," said Marilyn Stanford, an employee at the Linger Longer Lounge on Maine.

But some also wonder if the project will attract businesses.

There are several Maine Street store fronts for rent or sale and there's another lot for sale that can be built on.

Jeanne Bruner, president of the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic.

"We believe this will bring more tourism to our area," she said, adding that the town's new recreation center by the lake that will offer rentals should also help.

Bruner said it would be nice for services that Spirit Lake doesn't have such as a pharmacy, doctor or veterinarian to move in.

Downtown businesses include bars, a pizza shop, hardware store, cafe, a collectibles/art store, video store, sign store and a gift shop that opened in June.

The original downtown was built in 1908.

She said winter is always slower for a lot of businesses, especially in towns Spirit Lake's size, which has a population of about 1,700. But she believes the interest will increase after construction equipment and workers are gone.

A portion of Maine has been closed since the day after Labor Day until recently for construction.

"Everyone took a little hit with construction, but all of the businesses held on," Bruner said. "We're glad it was a very short construction period."

The project was funded with a $500,000 Idaho Community Development Block Grant and a combination of urban renewal, city, water district and Avista funds for the other half.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be planned after construction on a date to be determined. Businesses are holding customer appreciation raffles to entice shoppers downtown. The drawings will be at the ceremony.

"We want to get people back on Maine because it's been clogged up with heavy equipment," Bruner said.

Cynthia Kroetch of Trademarc Sign and Display on Maine said the improvements are good for not only the downtown businesses, but for residents to enjoy.

"They give it a new feel," she said.

Plans for a trailhead at Third and Maine, along with improvements on Third and on Fourth south of Maine, were put on hold due to not enough funding.