Exciting news for downtown Concord! The long-anticipated streetscape project on Union Street, between Cabarrus Ave. and Corban Ave., is nearing completion, and local residents are starting to experience the new, pedestrian-friendly improvements. The segment between Cabarrus and Barbrick Ave. has just reopened, showcasing widened sidewalks, fresh landscaping, and improved lighting. These enhancements are designed to make downtown Concord more accessible, beautiful, and ready for the future.
The timing couldn’t be better! On Friday November 22, the 27th annual Tree Lighting ceremony will take place in Downtown Concord. The event will be from 6-8:30 p.m. and will feature Santa and Mrs. Clause, food trucks, a kid zone, live music and fireworks!
Then on Saturday the 23rd the 96th annual Concord Christmas Parade, one of North Carolina’s longest-running holiday traditions, will march through downtown and wrap up at the newly completed section of Union Street- complete with televised news coverage and judging of entries. Presented by TrueCare Pharmacy, the parade will begin at 2:30 p.m.
SouthQuest Properties is excited to be part of this festive procession with our first-annual Christmas Float accompanied by our posse of Elves! So come out to see us and celebrate the holiday season with this cherished community event!
What The Story?
This project is part of Concord’s Downtown Master Plan, approved in 2016, which identified key upgrades to boost property values, attract new businesses, and improve the downtown experience for both residents and visitors. Part of a $9.5 million effort, the project aims to support local businesses and create a vibrant space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The redesigned street allows for expanded pedestrian access, as well as upgraded water and sewer systems to keep up with downtown’s growth. With one more block still under construction, the final touches are expected soon, promising an even more lively and walkable downtown scene.
The project includes significant updates such as widening sidewalks to 22 feet, narrowing traffic lanes, adding ADA-accessible parking, and incorporating new landscaping features, such as street trees and decorative lighting. These upgrades are intended to create space for outdoor dining, public art, and pedestrian zones, enhancing the aesthetic and functionality of downtown Concord. The redesign also adds “sharrow” markings to promote shared lanes for vehicles and bicycles, aiming to improve overall safety and accessibility.
Construction has been phased, with notable milestones including utility and infrastructure upgrades that began in early 2023, sidewalk and curb installations, and a new storm drainage system. The project was initially set in motion in 2019 after public feedback indicated strong community support for more outdoor seating, entertainment, and greenery. The streetscape work is expected to wrap up by early 2025, with the project estimated to cost several million dollars, funded through city and state grants.
These improvements are anticipated to enhance the local economy by attracting more foot traffic and encouraging new retail and dining establishments, making Union Street a lively, engaging destination.
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