Old Town Cornelius just got a big dose of future planning flair. After 15 months of meetings, sketches, and community feedback, the Cornelius Planning Board officially approved the Downtown Master Plan — a blueprint for what the next 25 years of Old Town life could look like.
So, what’s in the plan? Think more walkable streets, better parking, enhanced green space, and that small-town-meets-modern-energy vibe we all love about Cornelius. The plan zeroes in on a 220-acre stretch along Catawba Avenue and Main Street, with goals to make the area more connected, more creative, and more community-focused.
Highlights include:
Smart redevelopment and infrastructure upgrades for downtown’s core.
Fresh branding, public art, and placemaking to boost local character.
Improved gateways and multimodal transportation (yes, that means better traffic flow).
A long-term vision to blend local charm with thoughtful growth.
The master plan was developed with the help of Kimley-Horn, a Charlotte-based design firm, and shaped by the voices of residents, local business owners, and town leaders. Next up: a public hearing and Town Board vote in the coming months.
Old Town Cornelius has always been the heart of the community — now it’s getting a roadmap to make sure that heart keeps beating strong for decades to come.
