It was eyesore scaffolding that was supposed to be in place for six weeks for minor building works.
But six months later, with no signs of its removal, business owners at the waterfront have finally lost patience.
The Dock Street property has been shrouded in poles and netting since January for roof repairs and a survey.
This has been completed but the B-listed site remains covered up while a “significant” number of windows are replaced.
Having had to place “business as usual” signs in the area to tackle falling income, shop owners have called for further action.
Lynne Duffus, owner of the Lovely Things store, said: “We’ve not had any help with the rent, or any other information. We got the signs outside but we had to fight for those.
“It’s a complete eyesore for people coming into the city off the bridge and it’s strangling local business.
“It’s certainly a factor in some of the businesses that are closing around here. Certainly, if I was just starting up I wouldn’t be able to hold out here.
“There’s a huge investment in the waterfront’s future, and no investment in the businesses that are up and running and, in some cases, struggling, today.”
A spokesman for Hillcrest Housing, which is responsible for the scaffold, said: “Following the survey, and on instruction from the building owners, a course of action was agreed which included a significant number of window replacements.
“Due to the nature of the building, the windows had to be made on a “like for like” basis and a local joinery firm was commissioned to manufacture these bespoke windows in line with Dundee City Council listed building consent.
“Together with our partners, we have liaised with tenants and shopkeepers throughout this process.
“In addition to maintaining open channels of communication, we provided business owners with “Business as Usual” signage to minimise impact on trade.”
Whiteburn Projects, which is responsible for the building, did not wish to comment.
Dundee City Council confirmed that the scaffolding is allowed in line with council policy.