Sept. 1. Davidson’s quaint downtown may be in store for some significant changes, if projects being considered in the Downtown Catalyst Project Initiative from the UNC School of Government are adopted. The changes focus on the possibility of adding shops, restaurants, offices, and residences along the west side of Main Street in front of town hall and on town-owned land on Jackson Street.

The effort has been dubbed the “Downtown Catalyst Project” for its capacity to connect the North and South Main retail districts, further enliven downtown, and invigorate development on South Main Street.

There is a gap in scale and intensity from Town Hall to Catawba Avenue, so pedestrians don’t often make their way to South Main Street.

One of the major goals of the initiative is to develop a plan to bridge this gap. Potential solutions include active, pedestrian-scaled building frontage and public spaces to draw people down the street. There is also a need for more parking downtown which may also be addressed through this project.

Thus far the team from UNC’s has held a series of work sessions and received input from town residents and officials. They are now in the process of developing some specific recommendations.

“We really want to hear from our citizens” said Economic Development Manager Kim Fleming. “We feel these plans meet our commercial, retail, residential, and parking needs, but are we meeting the other needs of our citizens?”

Fleming said residents may contact her at kfleming@townofdavidson.org or by calling 704-940-9622. They can also fill out a comment form which is available at town hall.

—Dave Vieser