Construction is expected to start in the spring, with crews working on different sections of the street over the following two years. ArtsGoggle, a free event featuring local art and music, typically draws about 80,000 people and has been held for more than two decades.

Mary Henderson, festival producer and president of Near Southside Inc., said organizers are considering indoor programs and smaller sidewalk festivals to keep the arts community visible and bring people to Magnolia Avenue while work is underway. She described ArtsGoggle as a signature event for the Near Southside Cultural District.

The construction also raises concerns for businesses that depend on customers coming to the corridor. Mary Perez, owner of Enchiladas Ole’, said she is preparing for parking to become more difficult as construction moves along the street. Her restaurant is nearing its first anniversary on Magnolia Avenue, and the upcoming festival will be her first.

Perez said she may shift much of the restaurant’s business to takeout and delivery, and is considering buying mopeds to help get food to customers. She said she intends to keep the business open through the disruption.

Organizers and business owners are hoping the upcoming ArtsGoggle will draw a large crowd before construction changes how visitors access the neighborhood. The proposed smaller events would offer another way to support local businesses during the festival’s hiatus.