Kickoff for new Concord Downtown Streetscape project began Wednesday

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) - The City of Concord held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Concord Downtown Streetscape project on Wednesday morning.

According to the city, this project will pave the way for new downtown experiences including more outdoor dining, downtown living, and family fun.

The kickoff took place on Barbrick Avenue SW between Union and Market streets and featured remarks by Concord Mayor Bill Dusch, Planning Department Director Steve Osborne, and Andy Lovingood, President of McGill Associates, followed by the ceremonial dig.

Concord City Council approved the plan for a new Downtown Streetscape in October 2019. The new plan includes 22-foot wide sidewalks, reduced 11-foot travel lanes, new ADA-accessible parking spaces, new poured concrete sidewalks with brick paver accents, added street trees and landscaping, new smart light poles, updated city utilities, space for public art, and plenty of room for new outdoor dining.

Construction will begin on Market Street and work its way towards Barbrick Avenue. On Barbrick Avenue from Market Street construction will continue towards Union Street S. Once work reaches Union Street it will turn the corner and work north towards Killarney Avenue before coming back down towards the existing County Courthouse and Corban Avenue.

The Downtown Master Plan, adopted by City Council in August 2016, identified the completion of a new Downtown Streetscape as a catalytic project for downtown Concord. According to the plan, a new Downtown Streetscape will send a positive signal to the private market. It will incentivize the creation of outdoor cafes, adding life to the street and changing its perception, especially at night.

The increased foot traffic and street life will attract new restaurants/nightlife and retailers, and make reuse of now-vacant upper stories more attractive to office and residential uses. The new streetscape will also increase property values and redevelopment opportunities downtown, according to city officials.

More information on the project is available online.

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