Downtown Public Space Pilot

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Aerial view of the parking lot at the corner of Rosemary and Columbia streets.

We’re testing out ideas for the future of the downtown parking lot at the corner of Rosemary St. and Columbia St. With items like seating options, recreational/activity areas, landscaping, and shade, we can transform a gathering space with low-cost, flexible materials. This concept is known as Tactical Urbanism. Town staff, UNC staff, and community members are helping guide the concept design for this work. This project is an experiment! Once we design a temporary plan, we’ll have many opportunities for you to provide input that will inform the permanent design.


We’re also ready for you to engage now! You can do so either on this site, or in person at upcoming Town events and programs.

We’re testing out ideas for the future of the downtown parking lot at the corner of Rosemary St. and Columbia St. With items like seating options, recreational/activity areas, landscaping, and shade, we can transform a gathering space with low-cost, flexible materials. This concept is known as Tactical Urbanism. Town staff, UNC staff, and community members are helping guide the concept design for this work. This project is an experiment! Once we design a temporary plan, we’ll have many opportunities for you to provide input that will inform the permanent design.


We’re also ready for you to engage now! You can do so either on this site, or in person at upcoming Town events and programs.

  • New Virtual Engagement Posted

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    Under the "virtual engagement" board, three draft concept designs for the temporary space have been posted. You can add general comments or reactions to specific designs there. There will be engagement on these ideas in person at next week's tabling event: Tuesday, March 25th from 4-7 PM at Chapel Hill Public Library alongside some other Town projects like Safe Routes to School.

  • In-Person Engagement Opportunity: March 25th

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    We will have another opportunity for community members to give input on this project, March 25th from 4-7 PM at the Chapel Hill Public Library. Anyone can drop in to ask questions and provide feedback on three draft design options developed from what we've heard from the community so far! We will be tabling alongside other Town initiatives including the draft plans for Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School. This is a great way to engage with multiple projects at one time!

  • In-Person Engagement Opportunity: February 24th

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    Come chat, ask questions, and share your ideas at our table during People's Academy! We will be there on February 24th from 5-6 PM at Chapel Hill Public Library.


    Interested in staying for the whole of People's Academy see below!

    What is Peoples Academy?

    The Peoples Academy is a FREE program to inform and educate the Chapel Hill community about Town services, projects, and processes.

    Winter Program Details:

    The upcoming winter session will be at the Chapel Hill Public Library on Monday, February 24 from 5-8pm. This FREE event will be family-friendly, include a hot meal, and a hybrid option for virtual participants.

    How can you help?

    Register for this program through February 14.

  • Welcome to our online engagement site!

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    We’re excited to get this project off the ground. The pilot implementation timeline is fast, but we’ll be providing updates and opportunities to give community input!

Page last updated: 28 Mar 2025, 11:37 AM