Distinction / Designation

In August 2012, Concord Center became one of the first 10 places in Massachusetts to receive Cultural District designation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). The Town and Concord Chamber of Commerce worked together to obtain this designation, which celebrates a specific geographical area in a Town or town where there is a concentration of cultural facilities, activities and assets. A Cultural District is a walkable, compact area easily identifiable to visitors and residents and serves as a center of cultural, artistic and economic activity.

Enhanced Experience

Cultural districts help local arts, humanities and historical organizations improve the quality and range of their public programs so that more local families can benefit from them. They can enhance the experience for visitors and thus attract more tourist dollars and tax revenue. And, they can attract artists, cultural organizations, and entrepreneurs of all kinds - enhancing business property values and making communities more attractive.

Description of Resources

On this page are links to the original application to the Massachusetts Cultural Council and their site assessment; a grant application prepared by the Town's Planning Division staff for a DHCD Downtown Technical Assistance grant for "wayfinding, signage and streetscape improvement" and the resultant report prepared by The Cecil Group; and, a 2014 PowerPoint presentation and narrative prepared by Concord's Planning Division staff for the Citizen Planner Training Collaborative conference held in March.