The Downtown Master Plan process began in October 2022 and is expected to be completed in June of 2023. The three-phase process will be guided by the Downtown Advisory Board as outlined below.

  • Phase One - Downtown Assessment
  • Phase Two - Downtown Workshops
  • Phase Three - Downtown Master Plan

 

Phase One

Phase one will include a community wide survey to gather input from the entire community.  Also, Phase One will include small group listening sessions with a variety of subject matter experts, property owners, business owners, University officials and students, elected and appointed officials, and other downtown advocates and experts.  During this phase, background research will be completed to gain a firm understanding of the market potential, including a parking inventory, urban design analysis, and an examination of potential streetscape improvements for Williamson Avenue.  The culmination of this phase will be the Downtown Assessment.  This phase will begin in October 2022 and conclude in February 2023.

Phase Two

The community will have three opportunities to participate in downtown workshops to develop the main issues and ideas to include in the future vision for Downtown.  The workshops will also provide an opportunity for evaluating streetscape improvements and alternatives for North Williamson Avenue and development opportunities in downtown.  The workshops are scheduled for April 25, May 4, and May 11 at the Elon Community Church Community Life Center from 6:30 to 8:30pm each night.

Workshop Photos from April 25

      

Phase Three

After the downtown workshops, the draft Downtown Master Plan will be prepared.  Once the draft is prepared, a community meeting will be held to receive input from the public.  The recommendations of the Plan will be incorporated into a phased implementation plan to guide actions by the public and private sectors to achieve the visions of the Plan.