Church Street Marketplace

The marketplace emerged from a 1970s urban renewal effort to reverse the decline of Burlington's downtown, which had been losing business to suburban malls. A citizens' task force, led by local architect and later mayor Bernie Sanders (then a young activist), proposed closing Church Street to vehicular traffic. The city acquired and demolished several blighted buildings, and in 1981 the pedestrian mall opened, initially with modest success. Over the following decades, the marketplace became a model for pedestrianization, credited with increasing downtown property values and attracting national retailers while preserving local character.

The streetscape is distinguished by its brick-paved surface, ornamental lighting, and seasonal planters, designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin & Associates. The district includes several historic buildings, such as the 1858 Unitarian Church and the 1927 Macy's (now a department store), which contribute to its architectural diversity. The marketplace is also home to the Battery Park overlook at its northern end, offering views of Lake Champlain. The design intentionally integrates public art, including the iconic "Church Street" sign and a bronze statue of a seated man, a popular meeting spot.

As a major economic engine, the marketplace generates an estimated $100 million in annual sales and supports thousands of jobs. It hosts over 100 events each year, including the Vermont Brewers Festival and the South End Art Hop, which attract regional tourism. The marketplace also serves as a civic gathering space for protests, celebrations, and the weekly Burlington Farmers Market (held nearby). Its success has inspired similar projects in other mid-sized cities, and it is frequently cited in urban planning literature as a case study in public-private partnership.

Few know that the marketplace was nearly named "Church Street Commons" before a local contest chose the current name. The original cobblestones were replaced with bricks in the 1980s, but a single original cobblestone remains embedded near the intersection with Cherry Street. The marketplace is also home to a hidden "time capsule" placed in 1981, scheduled to open in 2081. Additionally, the district has a unique "no chain" policy that restricts national franchises, preserving local businesses—though a few exceptions exist, such as a Starbucks that predates the rule. The street performers are regulated by a lottery system, and the marketplace has its own "busking" code of conduct.¹

Pedestrian mall

A street or area closed to motor vehicles, reserved for foot traffic.

Richardsonian Romanesque

An architectural style characterized by heavy stonework and rounded arches.

Urban renewal

Programs of land redevelopment in cities, often involving demolition and reconstruction.