Concord NC’s Social District Officially Opened

CONCORD- A new social district is coming to a part of the WCCB viewing area, despite heavy construction. Beginning August 1st, Concord has kicked off their social district across Market, Union and Church Street. 

Even though road construction has been happening for the past few years in the social district area, local businesses are still excited for the traffic it will bring in.

Co-owner of The Bottle Shop, Dawon Millwood, is over the moon about the new social district that went into effect on Thursday.

“I think this is a great way to get the community, and even outside the community, back into downtown,” she says.“We are super excited, it’s also going to help  revitalize the downtown which is super needed.”

Businesses along Union Street in downtown tell WCCB they’ve struggled during road construction over the past two years. Fortunately for Millwood, she’s found ways to adapt.

“We do a lot of things to bring people to our business,” says Millwood. “We do a lot of events and other collaborations with small businesses, so construction hasn’t been an impact in our business so far.”

Another business on Union Street excited to welcome the social district opportunity is Hawthorne’s, a local pizza joint. Amanda Saunders is the manager.

“It will be really exciting to see more people out and about and just enjoying themselves, and go and enjoy some shopping while they’re enjoying their Friday night cocktail,” she says.

You can’t bring your own drinks, but you can get one from the participating locations. Just look for the “drinks sold here” signs on the doors. There, you can get a plastic cup with the approved sticker.

Business owners tell WCCB that the road construction should wrap up at the end of September.  The social district will be active from 11am to 10pm every day of the week in Concord.