Downtown Streetscape

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Thank you to everyone who participated in feedback opportunities and engagement. This feedback directly informed our final streetscape plan. This plan will guide our work to make improvements downtown as funding becomes available.


Participants review poster of downtown streets 

We’re reimagining how streets, sidewalks, and gathering places in downtown Chapel Hill can be vibrant community spaces for everyone. Well-designed streets can make the community safer, help businesses grow, and make it easier to get around. We have completed Phase 2, designing the Downtown Public-Right-of-Way Master Plan. 

  • Phase 1: "Multimodal Mobility Study" concluded in Fall 2023. This phase focused on better distribution of transportation modes throughout our downtown street network.   
  • Phase 2: "Downtown Public-Right-of-Way Master Plan” began in February 2024 and continued through the end of 2024. This phase of the project was more detailed and included street tree placements, material selection, and reimagining of our public gathering spaces.   
  • Result: Blocking specific designs and renderings of all public right-of-way locations. This includes street allocations (car lanes, bike lanes), sidewalks, and gathering spaces like 140 West Plaza.  

This project has used several rounds of public engagement, including in-person and virtual options. We’ve used several types of interactive engagement, including:

  • Downtown community walks
  • Stakeholder interest sessions
  • Forums
  • Open houses
All of these methods have used live feedback loops where community members can see the design teams changing ideas and concepts soon after getting feedback.  


A consultant firm, Toole Design, was selected to assist with this work. 


Participants review poster of downtown streets 

We’re reimagining how streets, sidewalks, and gathering places in downtown Chapel Hill can be vibrant community spaces for everyone. Well-designed streets can make the community safer, help businesses grow, and make it easier to get around. We have completed Phase 2, designing the Downtown Public-Right-of-Way Master Plan. 

  • Phase 1: "Multimodal Mobility Study" concluded in Fall 2023. This phase focused on better distribution of transportation modes throughout our downtown street network.   
  • Phase 2: "Downtown Public-Right-of-Way Master Plan” began in February 2024 and continued through the end of 2024. This phase of the project was more detailed and included street tree placements, material selection, and reimagining of our public gathering spaces.   
  • Result: Blocking specific designs and renderings of all public right-of-way locations. This includes street allocations (car lanes, bike lanes), sidewalks, and gathering spaces like 140 West Plaza.  

This project has used several rounds of public engagement, including in-person and virtual options. We’ve used several types of interactive engagement, including:

  • Downtown community walks
  • Stakeholder interest sessions
  • Forums
  • Open houses
All of these methods have used live feedback loops where community members can see the design teams changing ideas and concepts soon after getting feedback.  


A consultant firm, Toole Design, was selected to assist with this work. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in feedback opportunities and engagement. This feedback directly informed our final streetscape plan. This plan will guide our work to make improvements downtown as funding becomes available.

  • Thanks for your feedback, our plan is complete!

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    supporting image

    Our streetscape plan is complete and will guide our work to make improvements downtown as funding becomes available.

    We thank everyone who participated in feedback opportunities and engagement, which directly informed the final plan.

  • Project Update 1/10/2025

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The Streetscape designs are being reviewed internally. We will provide an update on when to expect a final project document. We are still collecting feedback on Wayfinding through the end of January 2025, please check the below posts to add comments!

  • Downtown Wayfinding Signage Pilot: Let us know your thoughts!

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    As we work on future plans for the downtown streetscape, we’re also thinking about how we can help people navigate Downtown. This concept is called "wayfinding."

    We've installed temporary pedestrian signs and maps near the 125 E. Rosemary Parking Deck to test some initial navigation ideas. Please share your thoughts on the image below or any of the pilot signs you may have seen in person. Some questions to consider when sharing your thoughts:

    • Is it easy to read with the current colors?
    • Is the text and font clear?
    • Did the map of downtown help you get to your destination? If not, what would have been more helpful?
    • Have you seen other types of signs that would be helpful for getting around downtown?
    • Did you understand what the icons represent?

    Long rectangular blue sign with QR code at the bottom and map with directionals above

    number of comments, image icon 9 comments

  • Downtown Wayfinding: View both concepts and share your feedback!

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    As we work on future plans for the downtown streetscape, we’re also thinking about how we can help people navigate Downtown. This concept is called "wayfinding."

    Concepts A and B show two different approaches to wayfinding and practical examples from other cities. For each of these concepts, share what you like, what you don’t like, and any general feedback on navigating downtown.

    Concept A shows traditional materials and styles. Ornate brackets, blackened metal, copper accents and sophisticated blues.

    Concept B is a refined classic style with classic geometries, contracting pairings, clean detailing and updated materials.


    number of comments, image icon 4 comments

  • More Opportunities to Engage

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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    Community members can comment on the public space concepts on this page or visit the virtual whiteboard (External link) to comment on additional concepts and designs for streetscape.

  • Peace and Justice Plaza: View both concepts and share your feedback

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    This portion of the project is focused on gathering spaces.

    Please share for each of these concepts what you like, what you don’t like, and if you feel that something is missing.

    number of comments, image icon 7 comments

  • 140 West Plaza: View both concepts and share your feedback

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    This portion of the project is focused on gathering spaces.

    Please share for each of these concepts what you like, what you don’t like, and if you feel that something is missing.

    number of comments, image icon 3 comments

  • ITS Garden Concepts: View both concepts and share your feedback

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    This portion of the project is focused on gathering spaces.

    Please share for each of these concepts what you like, what you don’t like, and if you feel that something is missing.

    number of comments, image icon 2 comments