A historic theatre in downtown Concord is being revived as a shopping and restaurant destination, similar to Uptown Charlotte’s Latta Arcade.
Why it matters: Set to open this summer, The District Exchange is the latest addition to a revitalized downtown Concord — an area becoming a hub for local entrepreneurs.
Driving the news: The District Exchange will repurpose 20,000 square feet of unused space at 22 Union Street North for micro storefronts where small businesses can thrive.
- “It’s going to be a magnet for all of us as we move back into the downtown area after this complete reconstruction,” says Mayor Bill Dusch.
Context: For years, downtown Concord has been a construction zone as century-old pipes were replaced, new apartments were developed and the streetscape was redesigned.
- COVID-related disruptions to the construction industry prolonged the presence of work crews and orange cones, stalling downtown’s revival.
Between the lines: Construction delays impacted long-time businesses like Gianni’s Trattoria , which moved to nearby Gibson Mill last spring after more than 15 years in downtown Concord…