Downtown in the News

By: Erin Grifford and Lynn Coulter

Explore the history, culture, attractions and beauty of charming small-town downtowns across America.

Charming Small Towns

CONCORD, N.C. (The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau) –

Whether you want to shop small businesses or enjoy a drink in the sunshine, explore new public art or have a great meal, Downtown Concord is the place to be. There’s never been a better time to visit!

1. Take in New Streetscapes

The cornerstone of a great downtown is its streets. In 2025, the City of Concord completed its Downtown Streetscape, with features that make getting around easier: 22-foot-wide sidewalks, reduced 11-foot travel lanes, new parking spaces (including two new ADA accessible spaces), designated loading and unloading zones, pedestrian drop-off zones, and features like sharrow markings, brick paver accents and new concrete. Trees and fresh landscaping add greenery and shade.

[…]

2. Explore Downtown Concord’s Public Art Scene

Public art is a great way to experience familiar space in a new way and discover local artists. Thanks to the City Council and the Public Art Commission, this year the City of Concord is holding its first one-year sculpture show, which was installed in March on Union Street.

CONCORD, N.C. (Axios Charlotte) –

Concord, Charlotte’s northern neighbor, is growing rapidly, and that expansion is bringing new businesses and life to the area.

Driving the news: Concord is about 25 miles north of Charlotte and is North Carolina’s 10th largest city, with a population of 109,896 (July 2022). The polulation of Cabarrus County, which Concord is part of, grew at a faster rate in the 2020 census than that of Mecklenburg County. 

Why it matters: The majority of the Charlotte region’s population lives outside of teh city limits. Charlotte’s developmentis fueling demand for new homes and businesses in teh region as a whole.

Here are some ways to eat, drink and play through Concord:

CONCORD, N.C. (The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau) –

The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau honored area hospitality and tourism professionals on Thursday, December 7 at the 10th Annual Celebrate Cabarrus and Golden Helmet Awards event.

“Visitor spending has once again reached record-breaking levels in Cabarrus County and that would not be possible without dedicated, talented and enthusiastic hospitality partners,” said Cabarrus County CVB President and CEO Donna Carpenter. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize their achievements and thank everyone in our industry who works to represent this destination so well.”

Downtown Concord recipents include:

Small Business of the Year – ShoeBeeDo

Hospitality Professional of the Year – Alan Bishop, The Smoke Pit (Concord Downtown Development Corporation, Board Chair)

Unsung Hero – Lisa Baker McCombs, Cabarrus Arts Council

Hometown Hero – Terry Crawford, City of Concord

CONCORD, N.C. (Independent Tribune) –

The first phase of the Union Street streetscape project is progressing, though much of teh work to this point is underground. 

Utility work for the initial phase of the downtown streetscape project between Corban Avenue and teh midblock crosswalk is going strong – and nearing completion. 

The work, which has foucsed on updating the city’s aging infrastructure with new water lines and stormwater drainage pipes, began along Union in late February. It is expected to be completed toward the end of September or early October, according to Design Manager Kaylee Caton.

CONCORD, N.C. (Cabarrus Weekly) –

As many of you know,  Downtown Concord is undergoing a significant transformation. The city has embarked on an ambitious project to revamp the Downtown Streetscape, which promises to transform the area into a more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing space. While the construction may cause some temporary inconvenience, it is important for the community to continue to support local businesses during this time.

The Downtown Development team is partnering with downtown businesses to create events such as “Christmas in July” to encourage community members to support local. This fun and festive event is designed to bring holiday cheer to the community during the summer months. This event will feature holiday-themed decorations, music, and activities, and will provide an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services.

CONCORD, N.C. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) –

If you’re looking for a good road trip this summer that involves an iconic NASCAR track, great food and a rich history, then you should race to Concord, North Carolina.

The city is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Built in 1959, the track is considered the home of NASCAR.

[…]

A typical day in Concord’s historic downtown usually starts with coffee from Groundwork Common coffee shop before browsing some of its iconic shops like the Bead Lady, ShoeBeeDo or Goldberry Books on Union Street.

CONCORD, N.C. (WSOCTV) –

Construction lines one of the busiest parts of downtown Concord, but businesses owners want you to know that they are open.

It can be stressful for businesses surrounded by the construction, especially after surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite Union Street’s closure, the City of Concord is working hard to make sure people know they’re still operating.

Downtown Concord is filled with the sights and sounds of a major construction project, but it’s also filled with small businesses that are still open despite the ongoing work.

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) –

The landscape in Concord is making major changes, thanks to more than $205 million in public and private investments downtown. The huge Novi projects, the courthouse expansion, and the new streetscape are bringing about the biggest change in the history of downtown.

In April, the first residents will begin moving into the Novi Flats, located adjacent and connected to the Cabarrus County parking deck.

Novi Flats features upscale finishes in all 48 residential units, including ground floor retail, and represents an estimated $11.2 million investment downtown.

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, N.C. (CharlotteFive) – The moment you first enter Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar, it’s as if you’ve been transported to Cuba. From the oversized Cuban flags that welcome you to each carefully chosen pop of culture that’s spread throughout the area, the restaurant immediately promises an authentic Cuban experience without ever having to leave Concord. And, it’s this “Cuban Paradise” atmosphere that draws people from the Charlotte area and beyond.

CONCORD, N.C. (CharlotteFive) – While Charlotte is a place where there’s always something fun to do, it’s surrounded by a variety of charming cities that have their own aesthetic and pockets of excitement that can be a breath of fresh air for those who live in the city.

One of HGTV’s most charming small-town downtowns in America is about a 30-minute drive from Charlotte’s city center in Concord, an area that has locally-owned businesses, a street art scene and more. (Cabarrus County is also known for its NASCAR roots, of course. Plus, Concord is the hometown of the Avett Brothers.)

If you’d like to spend an afternoon enjoying a new area, here are five things to do in Concord for less than $50 a day:

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – Progress continues on the three residential and mixed-use Novi properties that will enhance Downtown Concord as a destination for what the city calls “high-performance living, dining, and entertainment.”

This is the first new construction we’ve seen for a while in downtown where it’s new residential mixed use project going up in downtown Concord,” said Concord Economic Development Manager Joseph Beasley. “We want people to know that downtown Concord is open for business, and that pedestrian foot traffic is accessible on Market Street while that is closed.”

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) honored the City of Concord with the Destination Visionary Award on Thursday, December 2 during their annual Celebrate Cabarrus and Golden Helmet Awards event.

The Golden Helmet Awards honor those who make memorable experiences for visitors through exceptional customer service and go beyond the call of duty to wow guests and strengthen our destination’s reputation.

City of Concord Mayor Pro Tem Terry Crawford, and City Manager Lloyd Payne, accepted the award on behalf of Council and the city.

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – The City of Concord is one of the nation’s top “boomtowns” according to a new study released by SmartAsset. Concord tied New Braunfels, TX for the No. 14 spot with a score of 89.83 and is the highest ranked city in North Carolina.

The study by SmartAsset looked at data from the 500 largest cities in the U.S. to identify the nation’s fastest growing cities or “boomtowns.” The study scored cities based on seven metrics: population change, unemployment rate, change in unemployment rate, GDP growth rate, business growth, housing growth and change in household income.

Concord’s ranking by SmartAsset follows news of the city breaking into North Carolina’s Top 10 most populous cities for the first time following the release of the latest U.S. census data.

CONCORD, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) – City leaders and developers in Concord put shovel to ground Thursday and launched work on three new apartment buildings. The Novi Flats, Novi Rise, and Novi Lofts are expected to bring more than 500 people to downtown Concord.

The buildings include 304 units and 15,000 square feet of commercial space. Together, the projects bring more than $70 million in private investment to the city. The three buildings are part of 10 developments currently in the works in Downtown Concord.

Concord Mayor Bill Dusch says now that Concord has several new major developments underway, he hopes the city can stand apart from downtown Charlotte.

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) – From Cabarrus County: A milestone has arrived for one of the most anticipated downtown Concord projects in recent years. The 250,000-square-foot Cabarrus County Courthouse expansion/renovation project is celebrating the placement of the final steel beam.

Cabarrus County Government invites Courthouse workers, elected officials, local businesses and organizations and the community to join in the two-day “topping off” celebration, July 6 and 7 on the front steps of the Government Center at 65 Church Street S.

CONCORD, N.C. (WCNC) – WalletHub recently ranked Concord, North Carolina in the top 25 fastest growing cities in the country. City leaders say that growth is accelerating.

About 25 miles north of the Queen City, they’re working to make Concord have its own identity, and not just be known as a suburb of Charlotte.

It still has historic charm, but downtown Concord is evolving.

“It’s truly amazing the amount of growth we’re seeing and we’re very fortunate. And we know that,” Steve Osbourne, the Director of Planning and Neighborhood Development for the City of Concord said.

CONCORD, N.C. (Axios Charlotte) –

Concord, Charlotte’s northern neighbor, is growing rapidly, and that expansion is bringing new businesses and life to the area.

Driving the news: Concord is about 25 miles north of Charlotte and is North Carolina’s 10th largest city, with a population of 109,896 (July 2022). The polulation of Cabarrus County, which Concord is part of, grew at a faster rate in the 2020 census than that of Mecklenburg County. 

Why it matters: The majority of the Charlotte region’s population lives outside of teh city limits. Charlotte’s developmentis fueling demand for new homes and businesses in teh region as a whole.

Here are some ways to eat, drink and play through Concord:

CONCORD, N.C. (The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau) –

The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau honored area hospitality and tourism professionals on Thursday, December 7 at the 10th Annual Celebrate Cabarrus and Golden Helmet Awards event.

“Visitor spending has once again reached record-breaking levels in Cabarrus County and that would not be possible without dedicated, talented and enthusiastic hospitality partners,” said Cabarrus County CVB President and CEO Donna Carpenter. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize their achievements and thank everyone in our industry who works to represent this destination so well.”

Downtown Concord recipents include:

Small Business of the Year – ShoeBeeDo

Hospitality Professional of the Year – Alan Bishop, The Smoke Pit (Concord Downtown Development Corporation, Board Chair)

Unsung Hero – Lisa Baker McCombs, Cabarrus Arts Council

Hometown Hero – Terry Crawford, City of Concord

CONCORD, N.C. (Independent Tribune) –

The first phase of the Union Street streetscape project is progressing, though much of teh work to this point is underground. 

Utility work for the initial phase of the downtown streetscape project between Corban Avenue and teh midblock crosswalk is going strong – and nearing completion. 

The work, which has foucsed on updating the city’s aging infrastructure with new water lines and stormwater drainage pipes, began along Union in late February. It is expected to be completed toward the end of September or early October, according to Design Manager Kaylee Caton.

CONCORD, N.C. (Cabarrus Weekly) –

As many of you know,  Downtown Concord is undergoing a significant transformation. The city has embarked on an ambitious project to revamp the Downtown Streetscape, which promises to transform the area into a more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing space. While the construction may cause some temporary inconvenience, it is important for the community to continue to support local businesses during this time.

The Downtown Development team is partnering with downtown businesses to create events such as “Christmas in July” to encourage community members to support local. This fun and festive event is designed to bring holiday cheer to the community during the summer months. This event will feature holiday-themed decorations, music, and activities, and will provide an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services.

CONCORD, N.C. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) –

If you’re looking for a good road trip this summer that involves an iconic NASCAR track, great food and a rich history, then you should race to Concord, North Carolina.

The city is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Built in 1959, the track is considered the home of NASCAR.

[…]

A typical day in Concord’s historic downtown usually starts with coffee from Groundwork Common coffee shop before browsing some of its iconic shops like the Bead Lady, ShoeBeeDo or Goldberry Books on Union Street.

CONCORD, N.C. (WSOCTV) –

Construction lines one of the busiest parts of downtown Concord, but businesses owners want you to know that they are open.

It can be stressful for businesses surrounded by the construction, especially after surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. But despite Union Street’s closure, the City of Concord is working hard to make sure people know they’re still operating.

Downtown Concord is filled with the sights and sounds of a major construction project, but it’s also filled with small businesses that are still open despite the ongoing work.

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) –

The landscape in Concord is making major changes, thanks to more than $205 million in public and private investments downtown. The huge Novi projects, the courthouse expansion, and the new streetscape are bringing about the biggest change in the history of downtown.

In April, the first residents will begin moving into the Novi Flats, located adjacent and connected to the Cabarrus County parking deck.

Novi Flats features upscale finishes in all 48 residential units, including ground floor retail, and represents an estimated $11.2 million investment downtown.

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, N.C. (CharlotteFive) – The moment you first enter Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar, it’s as if you’ve been transported to Cuba. From the oversized Cuban flags that welcome you to each carefully chosen pop of culture that’s spread throughout the area, the restaurant immediately promises an authentic Cuban experience without ever having to leave Concord. And, it’s this “Cuban Paradise” atmosphere that draws people from the Charlotte area and beyond.

CONCORD, N.C. (CharlotteFive) – While Charlotte is a place where there’s always something fun to do, it’s surrounded by a variety of charming cities that have their own aesthetic and pockets of excitement that can be a breath of fresh air for those who live in the city.

One of HGTV’s most charming small-town downtowns in America is about a 30-minute drive from Charlotte’s city center in Concord, an area that has locally-owned businesses, a street art scene and more. (Cabarrus County is also known for its NASCAR roots, of course. Plus, Concord is the hometown of the Avett Brothers.)

If you’d like to spend an afternoon enjoying a new area, here are five things to do in Concord for less than $50 a day:

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – Progress continues on the three residential and mixed-use Novi properties that will enhance Downtown Concord as a destination for what the city calls “high-performance living, dining, and entertainment.”

This is the first new construction we’ve seen for a while in downtown where it’s new residential mixed use project going up in downtown Concord,” said Concord Economic Development Manager Joseph Beasley. “We want people to know that downtown Concord is open for business, and that pedestrian foot traffic is accessible on Market Street while that is closed.”

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) honored the City of Concord with the Destination Visionary Award on Thursday, December 2 during their annual Celebrate Cabarrus and Golden Helmet Awards event.

The Golden Helmet Awards honor those who make memorable experiences for visitors through exceptional customer service and go beyond the call of duty to wow guests and strengthen our destination’s reputation.

City of Concord Mayor Pro Tem Terry Crawford, and City Manager Lloyd Payne, accepted the award on behalf of Council and the city.

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – The City of Concord is one of the nation’s top “boomtowns” according to a new study released by SmartAsset. Concord tied New Braunfels, TX for the No. 14 spot with a score of 89.83 and is the highest ranked city in North Carolina.

The study by SmartAsset looked at data from the 500 largest cities in the U.S. to identify the nation’s fastest growing cities or “boomtowns.” The study scored cities based on seven metrics: population change, unemployment rate, change in unemployment rate, GDP growth rate, business growth, housing growth and change in household income.

Concord’s ranking by SmartAsset follows news of the city breaking into North Carolina’s Top 10 most populous cities for the first time following the release of the latest U.S. census data.

CONCORD, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) – City leaders and developers in Concord put shovel to ground Thursday and launched work on three new apartment buildings. The Novi Flats, Novi Rise, and Novi Lofts are expected to bring more than 500 people to downtown Concord.

The buildings include 304 units and 15,000 square feet of commercial space. Together, the projects bring more than $70 million in private investment to the city. The three buildings are part of 10 developments currently in the works in Downtown Concord.

Concord Mayor Bill Dusch says now that Concord has several new major developments underway, he hopes the city can stand apart from downtown Charlotte.

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) – From Cabarrus County: A milestone has arrived for one of the most anticipated downtown Concord projects in recent years. The 250,000-square-foot Cabarrus County Courthouse expansion/renovation project is celebrating the placement of the final steel beam.

Cabarrus County Government invites Courthouse workers, elected officials, local businesses and organizations and the community to join in the two-day “topping off” celebration, July 6 and 7 on the front steps of the Government Center at 65 Church Street S.

CONCORD, N.C. (WCNC) – WalletHub recently ranked Concord, North Carolina in the top 25 fastest growing cities in the country. City leaders say that growth is accelerating.

About 25 miles north of the Queen City, they’re working to make Concord have its own identity, and not just be known as a suburb of Charlotte.

It still has historic charm, but downtown Concord is evolving.

“It’s truly amazing the amount of growth we’re seeing and we’re very fortunate. And we know that,” Steve Osbourne, the Director of Planning and Neighborhood Development for the City of Concord said.