PAVING THE WAY TO NEW DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCES

Anew Streetscape project is underway in Downtown Concord. The project is many years in the making and once complete will pave the way for new outdoor dining and entertainment experiences. Residents and visitors will enjoy wider sidewalks, improved landscaping, new lighting, updated utilities, and more space for public art and gathering. The project honors our rich history while enhancing the charm of our beloved downtown.

The Mayor, City Council, city staff, business owners and community members gathered at Union and Barbrick Streets for the formal groundbreaking ceremony last June. The site for the groundbreaking was a nod to our city’s past. The intersection at Union Street, Barbrick Avenue, and Means Avenue reflects the spirit of compromise that led to Concord’s founding. In 1796, early settlers reached agreement on the location for the new Cabarrus County seat. It was John Means and Leonard Barbrick who purchased the original 26 acres that formed the first city limits. The main thoroughfare was named Union Street and the city was given the name Concord, meaning harmony, to reflect the compromise. The Streetscape groundbreaking was held where our roots were established, with the future Downtown Concord starting anew from the very place where it all began.

Today, Downtown Concord is the heart of our city and people are drawn to downtown for its history, unique boutiques, great local food and drinks, art and cultural experiences.

In fact, HGTV named Downtown Concord one of America’s most charming small-town downtowns.

Our downtown boasts more than 40 locallyowned and operated shops and restaurants and dozens of murals, including a special tribute mural to hometown, Grammy-nominated and internationally recognized folk-rock band, The Avett Brothers. Downtown is also home to the Cabarrus Arts Council, set in the beautifully renovated 1876 historic courthouse, where fine art fills four galleries on the first floor and on the second floor the 227-seat Davis Theater offers guests intimate musical experiences.

With so much to love already, we understand the apprehension towards change. However, the one constant throughout our downtown’s history is change.

Looking back over the past 120 years, we see the many changes that have taken place throughout downtown. From sidewalks with carriage steps and horse hooks, to electricpowered vehicles parked along the street today, to the ever-changing building facades. For example, some early 20th century facades were replaced with mid-century architecture and are being restored to their early 1900’s form again today. Through every change, the common defining characteristic is our desire to cultivate a thriving, vibrant downtown.

A healthy and vibrant downtown is not only good for downtown, but good for the entire city. The new Streetscape will further invigorate downtown and increase foot traffic for existing businesses while attracting new restaurants, nightlife, and retailers. The Downtown Streetscape project will also enhance opportunities for parades, festivals, and events downtown, and further establish Downtown Concord as a destination for high performance living.

Since the groundbreaking, the first phase of construction, consisting primarily of stormwater and utility work, has been completed along Market Street SW, and work is continuing on Barbrick Avenue and Union Street. Work on Union Street will move north towards Killarney Avenue before coming back down towards the existing County Courthouse and Corban Avenue. Utility work will precede the major Streetscape work, so some phases of the project will be under construction concurrently. The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2024. Project highlights include:

 22-foot-wide sidewalks – creating space for outdoor dining and cafes

 11 Parking Spaces on Union Street, with designated loading/unloading and pedestrian drop-off zones

 5 new ADA accessible parking spaces

 New concrete sidewalks with brick paver accents

 49 new street trees

 New landscaping

 Smart light poles equipped with speakers to enhance music and sound during events

 Space for public art and gathering

 Updated utilities, including new water and stormwater lines

The Streetscape project will also feature a compass design in the city’s center square at the intersection of Union Street and Cabarrus Avenue. Union Street is split north and south by Cabarrus Avenue, and Cabarrus Avenue is split west and east by Union Street. These two streets determine whether Concord’s streets are designated NE, NW, SE, or SW. This compass is also the inspiration for our Streetscape logo –a nod to our rich history and the exciting future ahead.

Like any construction project, we know it can be messy and cause inconveniences. We especially understand and anticipate there will be temporary inconveniences and disruptions with the Union Street closure and when we reach the intersection at Cabarrus Avenue. We are planning ahead and doing everything we can to mitigate the impact on residents and businesses.

As we pave the way for new downtown experiences, we ask that you please mind our mess, be patient with us, and remember to continue to visit downtown and support our small businesses. Downtown Concord will remain open for business with pedestrian access to stores and restaurants through the duration of the Streetscape project.

Finally, we encourage you to visit concorddowntown.com/streetscape to learn more about the Streetscape project and follow the city on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date, including upcoming project-related closures, project milestones, and timelines. •