Shaping the Future of Downtown Pittsboro: Your Voice Matters

Pittsboro is on the brink of transformation, and residents have a unique chance to help shape what the heart of our town will look like for generations to come. Whether it’s creating vibrant spaces for local businesses, expanding housing options or enhancing recreational areas, the community is being invited to weigh in on a vision that reflects its values and aspirations.

With major developments like Chatham Park and Disney’s Asteria community poised to bring tens of thousands of new residents and millions of square feet of commercial space, Pittsboro’s population of 5,000 is preparing for significant growth. This surge underscores the need to strengthen the downtown core, making room for arts, culture, commerce and the infrastructure to support it all.

About 28 acres of publicly owned land near the historic courthouse are being considered for redevelopment. As Chatham County consolidates services at a new location on Renaissance Drive, several downtown sites will become available. These include:

• County Administrative Complex: Three buildings southeast of the courthouse circle
• ABC Store: At Sanford Road and South Rectory Street
• Fire Station 1: At Sanford Road and Womack Street (future use TBD)
• Pop-Up Park: Green space and parking between Hanks and West Salisbury streets
• Former Library: Now housing county tax and IT offices
• McClenahan Blocks: Home to the Sheriff’s Office and Annex

Consultants from Bolton & Menk are working with town and county officials to explore possibilities for each site, including building design, parking, stormwater management and architectural style.

Mayor Kyle Shipp envisions a downtown with buildings ranging from three to six stories, designed to foster walkable neighborhoods near schools, parks and businesses. The town is already investing in upgrades, like improved sidewalks and an expanded social district, to support this growth.

The overarching goal? To create a thriving, inclusive community that honors Pittsboro’s small-town charm while embracing thoughtful development.

Community input is essential, and there are several ways to get involved:

• Online Survey: Share your thoughts via this survey by Friday, December 12 at 5 p.m.
• Community Meeting: Attend on Thursday, November 13, at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center (open houses from noon–1 p.m. and 4–7 p.m.; presentation at 6 p.m.)
• Local Government Meetings: Stay engaged by attending sessions where the downtown planning project is discussed

While there’s no set timeline for construction, the planning phase could span decades. Consultants will analyze public feedback, market trends and site conditions to develop proposals for each location. Once finalized, the town and county will collaborate with developers to bring these visions to life.