Church Street Marketplace
Vermont
Church Street Marketplace is a lively outdoor pedestrian shopping and dining mall located in Burlington, Vermont, spanning four blocks of Church Street between Main and Pearl Streets. Conceived in 1958 and constructed in 1980-81, it was designed by Carr, Lynch Associates of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The marketplace hosts approximately 86 storefronts including national chains and a variety of local retailers offering clothing, home goods, books, and unique gifts. It is also a cultural hub hosting festivals, art events like the South End Art Hop, and public galleries such as The Firehouse Gallery. The pedestrian-only street is lined with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, creating a vibrant social atmosphere year-round. Recognized as one of America's "Great Public Spaces" by the American Planning Association in 2008, the marketplace combines urban renewal vision with community engagement, making it a central gathering place in Burlington's downtown. The area remains a key destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, reflecting the city's blend of historic charm and contemporary culture.
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Tip: Visit during spring to fall for the best outdoor experience and to enjoy numerous festivals and street performances. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. Consider using the free parking at the Downtown Garage with a ParkMobile session for convenience. Check the official website for event schedules and special promotions. Advance reservations are recommended for popular restaurants during weekends and festival days. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or during special events.
Zajímavosti
- •The Church Street Marketplace was named one of America’s "Great Public Spaces" by the American Planning Association in 2008.
- •During the initial 1971 street fair, approximately 15,000 people attended, demonstrating strong community support for the pedestrian mall concept.
- •Construction of the marketplace in 1980-81 was completed without any businesses relocating or closing, and retail sales did not decline during this period.
- •The marketplace hosts the South End Art Hop and features public galleries like The Firehouse Gallery, supporting local visual arts.
- •A two-level mall design was proposed but abandoned after public feedback favored a single-level pedestrian mall.
Historie
The idea for the Church Street Marketplace originated in 1958 as part of urban renewal discussions in Burlington.
In 1971, an experimental street fair demonstrated the potential for a pedestrian mall, attracting 15,000 visitors.
Subsequent fairs and community support led to the decision to create a pedestrian mall, with design work beginning in the late 1970s.
After rejecting a two-level mall plan due to public opposition, a one-level pedestrian street mall was approved by voters in 1979.
Construction began in 1980 and was completed in 1981 without disrupting existing businesses.
The marketplace has since become a vibrant urban center, hosting a blend of retail, dining, and cultural events.
Adjacent enclosed malls like Burlington Square (now Burlington Town Center) opened in the 1970s but have since closed, leaving Church Street Marketplace as the premier downtown shopping and social destination.
Průvodce po místě
Church Street Pedestrian Mall1980-81
The main four-block pedestrian-only street featuring brick paving, street furniture, trees, and canopies. It hosts shops, restaurants, and seasonal events throughout the year, providing a vibrant urban atmosphere.
The Firehouse Gallery
A public art gallery located within the marketplace that showcases local visual artists and hosts exhibitions as part of the marketplace's cultural programming.
Downtown Garage Parking
A convenient parking facility offering two hours of free parking daily with ParkMobile check-in, plus free parking on Sundays and holidays across city-owned downtown locations, facilitating easy access to the marketplace.
Kontakt
Telefon: (802) 863-1648