Departments / Planning / Area Plans / Boulevards

 

Project Overview

The Boulevards of Concord Corridor Study was created between 2023 and 2024 and represents the synthesis of extensive research; public business, and other stakeholder engagement and creative planning efforts undertaken by the City.

This plan includes two documents. The Inventory document provides extensive details of the existing conditions of the study area, including market dynamics, transportation infrastructure, and community and stakeholder engagement.

The Implementation document contains the results of the second phase of the planning process. It lays out recommendations across the Boulevards area to realize the vision stakeholders and the community established. This document includes suggested timelines for implementation and details about the value of each proposed strategy and how it ties into the community-based vision for the area.

The City of Concord’s 2030 Land Use Plan defines the Concord Mills Blvd/Bruton Smith Blvd Area as the Entertainment Corridor Character Area. This area connects two of Concord’s biggest regional attractions and economic assets – Concord Mills on the west side of I-85 and the Charlotte Motor Speedway on the east.

Exit 49 along I-85 provides easy access to these attractions for regional visitors, but the Concord Mills/Bruton Smith corridors experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak traffic times surrounding rush hour, events and holidays.

Between Derita Road and the Speedway are traditional retail and a few multi-family developments within the Mixed-Use Activity Center surrounding Concord Mills, commercial with restaurants and hotels east of I-85, and numerous auto dealerships to the west of the Speedway.

With this in mind, the City of Concord is conducting a study of the Concord Mills Boulevard – Bruton Smith Boulevard Corridor (i.e. The Boulevards) to establish a community vision and path to achieve that vision. 

 

Study Area

 

Focus Areas

Transportation: The way that residents, employees, and visitors get to and move around the Boulevards have a huge impact on the area’s future. This corridor study will consider the ways people move today, and how they’d like to move in the future.

Land Use: The various businesses, residents, and other destinations along the Boulevards drive demand and attention in the area. The City’s 2030 Land Use Plan established a vision of what this area may become in the future.

Utilities and Infrastructure: Ensuring sufficient utilities are present is a key component to ensuring a region is prepared to succeed. Existing utility easements can also provide opportunities for further improvements.

Market Conditions: Including trade areas, demographics, and looking at gaps in the market.

 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  • Improve the look and feel of the corridor and create a unique sense of place.

  • Create inviting and safe spaces to gather.

  • Provide safe and efficient walk and bike routes while preserving vehicular mobility.

 

If you have any questions please contact Design Manager, Kaylee Caton

Photos courtesy of Explore Cabarrus. Photo Credit: Michael A. Anderson