2025 Award of Merit: Concord

Downtown Concord Streetscape

2025 Main Street Award: Design

Best Outdoor Space Improvement

• City of Concord

• Concord Downtown Development Corporation

• McGill Associates

• Sealand Contractors Corporation
  

Watch The Award Video

Downtown Concord’s Streetscape project was designed with a bold goal: to reimagine their historic center city as a vibrant, walkable, and economically resilient destination. Downtown Concord celebrates not just the completion of a construction project, but the realization of a community-driven vision that puts people first.

By prioritizing pedestrians over cars, the Streetscape Project created a safer, more inclusive environment—featuring twenty-two -foot-wide sidewalks and ADA-accessible parking. It revitalized the streetscape with brick pavers, street trees, smart lighting, and public art—encouraging outdoor activity and community connection. Expanded sidewalks now support outdoor dining and café spaces, boosting local businesses and street life.

The result? A downtown that’s not only more accessible, but more inviting—for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

But the impact goes far beyond aesthetics.

This project has been a catalyst for economic growth, sparking over $200 million in public and private investment. Since construction began, more than 320 new residential units have been added downtown, and remarkably, 14 new businesses opened during construction—a testament to the confidence and momentum this project inspired. Since project completion, 26 more businesses have opened, with additional businesses on the way.

The Streetscape has also breathed new life historic buildings, with over 20 façade improvements and a surge in demand for revitalization grants. One standout success is The District Exchange—a beautifully restored historic theatre now home to 15 thriving businesses.

And let’s not forget the people. From the Grand Opening Block Party to the Concord International Festival, downtown has become a true gathering place —doubling daily foot traffic and drawing thousands to events that celebrate our community spirit.

This success didn’t happen by chance. It was built on collaboration, creative engagement, and a steadfast commitment to supporting downtown businesses every step of the way. From the interactive “living streetscape” demonstration in 2019 to weekly construction updates and merchant meetings, the City of Concord and the Concord Downtown Development Corporation led with transparency, innovation, and heart.

Today, Union Street is more than a corridor—it’s a destination. A place where history meets modern living. A place where people want to live, work, shop, and stay.