Taxis drivers had to forgo some of their usual parking spaces to make way for the 107-year-old ferry, which recently had dressing and priming work finished on its 12.8m kauri hull.
The Otago Harbour Ferry Inc group is now seeking about $100,000 from community boards, the Dunedin City Council and local trusts to help build the wheelhouse and deck.
Project manager Shem Sutherland said "berthing" Elsie Evans in Harrop St was a good way to raise her profile in the community.
"She usually sits in a big dark old shed . . . We're putting her out in the public to get her on people's radar."
A 75hp marine engine is due to be installed and the remaining work on the vessel would be completed at the former Wickliffe Press building.
It was hoped she would be ready to begin cruises on Otago Harbour by next summer.
