MADISON, Wis. -- After months of waiting, the 300 and 400 blocks of State Street were finished. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to unveil the third phase of a four-phase project that cost the city $17 million and wreaked havoc on State Street.

The makeover provided specially designed street lamps and new benches, as well as wider space for State Street shoppers.

"This is a design that will look fresh 10 years from now, 20 years from now, so you really couldn't say that about the old design," said Dave Cieslewicz, Madison's mayor.

Business owners said that the short-term inconveniences of construction were outweighed by the long-term benefits.

"I think a lot of people will just enjoy this street more so I think they'll come back more often," said John Hutchinson, owner of Fontana Sports. Hutchinson saw sales decline during the construction but he said it was well worth the sacrifice.

Even moments after the new improvements were unveiled residents had new ideas for State Street.

"I sure hope they build that parking ramp they were supposed to do mid-way because we desperately need it," said Diane Doughman, owner of Mimosa, another shop that was amid the construction project.

The final phase of the project will commence in the spring of 2007 and will finish the 500 and 600 blocks of State Street.