Investment in streetscape and infrastructure has a transformational effect on districts hurt by vacancy. Kannapolis revitalized its downtown in 2019, unveiling a transformed core that prioritizes the public realm, business investment, and proactive ways to incorporate new development. The redesign catalyzed activity and created new private development opportunities and partnerships, including the new baseball stadium that anchors downtown. West Avenue is downtown’s “signature street” and centerpiece of the project. The street had a substantial right-of-way that offered prime space for a linear park to stitch downtown with a generous public realm. As a result of the investment, many new businesses have opened in previously vacant storefronts, and new private developments are under way. Downtown now has regional pull and a vibrant public realm that can support business and quality of life. Kannapolis exemplifies the power of partnerships and infrastructure investment for revitalization.

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Aaron Wagoner;Wilmer Melton III

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