Downtown Plans

Concord, NC (pop. 105,000) commissioned Benchmark to prepare a Downtown Urban Design Plan and final Master Plan document in 2016 and an update in 2021.  Concord is on the northern border of Charlotte, NC and is home to several large tourism draws including the Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway, Concord Mills Mall, and Great Wolf Lodge.  Concord is also the home of Carolina’s Medical Center and an array of related medical facilities serving the northern Charlotte metro area. In addition, Concord continues to grow its economy with industrial and distribution facilities being developed in its International Business Park and at its burgeoning commercial airport.

Benchmark Planning was selected to update the Downtown Suffolk Initiatives Plan prepared by Urban Design Associates in 1998.  The original plan was created as part of the City’s comprehensive plan update process and carried out as a separate study.  This updated study focused on downtown’s relationship to the natural environment; local architectural character and tradition; transportation framework; market potential; and overall downtown initiatives. During the process, an empty storefront was utilized for the design workshops that were attended by more than 175 people.  In addition, the City setup pop-up cafes along downtown sidewalks to increase visibility for the workshops and encourage outdoor dining.  The plan outlines key public and private investments such as a refreshed downtown streetscape, a new library, new downtown housing and several public/private partnership development opportunities.