DOWNTOWN WAXHAW

MASTER PLAN

***Downtown Master Plan* ➜ *Project Updates***

➜ 300+ survey responses from residents, business owners & stakeholders
➜ 4 public input sessions held (including one with Waxhaw’s elected officials)
➜ Focus groups on key topics like:
- Arts & culture
- Historic preservation
- Young professionals
- Food trucks & local dining
- Property ownership & entrepreneurship
The draft Downtown Master Plan has been presented and the public comment period has closed (Aug. 13–26).
- Hundreds of community voices — through surveys, focus groups, and input sessions — helped shape this draft.
- The consulting team took that feedback, combined it with economic data and planning expertise, and built a roadmap for the next 5–10 years.
- The goal: protect Waxhaw’s historic character, strengthen small businesses, and guide growth intentionally — rather than reactively.
We’ve heard questions, so let’s be clear:
✅ It’s a guide, not a checklist. It helps leaders, property owners, and partners make smarter, coordinated decisions.
✅ It emphasizes partnerships, grants & incremental investments (not all taxpayer-funded).
❌ It’s not a commitment to fund every project.
❌ It’s not a “build it tomorrow” list.
❌ It’s not a residential development plan.
❌ It’s not a traffic or transportation plan (those issues are being addressed separately).
The Downtown Waxhaw Association Board and the Waxhaw Board of Commissioners will review the final version of the plan on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.
Community feedback from August is being used right now to refine the draft before that presentation.
The future of downtown depends on community voices. While the public comment period is now closed, we’ll continue sharing updates as the final plan moves forward.
📌 Bookmark this page for the latest news.

Here’s where things stand:

Downtown Waxhaw is at a pivotal moment. Our community is growing—bringing exciting new possibilities, but also challenges that we must address thoughtfully and together.

To help guide this change, the Town of Waxhaw and the Downtown Waxhaw Association have partnered with The Boudreaux Group to create a Downtown Master Plan—a roadmap for the next 5–10 years that will help us shape the future of Downtown Waxhaw in a way that reflects our community values.

This plan isn’t about changing who we are—it’s about protecting what makes Waxhaw special, while preparing for the future in a responsible, balanced, and sustainable way.

What is the Downtown Waxhaw Master Plan?

We know plans like this can spark questions—and sometimes, concerns. Here’s what you need to know about what the Downtown Master Plan is (and isn’t).

No. The plan is a vision and a guide, not a construction schedule. It outlines possibilities and strategies the Town and partners can pursue over the next 5–10 years, based on funding, partnerships, and community priorities.
Not necessarily. Many recommendations rely on public–private partnerships, grants, and outside investment—not solely on taxpayer funding. The plan helps identify creative ways to bring projects to life.
No. The Downtown Master Plan does not address residential development. It focuses on making downtown more connected, walkable, and commercially vibrant while preserving Waxhaw’s history.
Our small town has grown quickly, and downtown plays a big role in balancing our tax base, supporting local businesses, and ensuring growth benefits everyone.
Master plans like this are a standard tool in communities everywhere because they help:
- Align the community’s vision so we’re proactive instead of reactive.
- Prevent scattershot development by setting clear design guidelines & land use priorities.
- Strengthen our local economy in ways that ease the tax burden on residents.
- Position the town for outside grants and funding, which is how many projects actually get paid for.
- Provide leverage for improving business mix: Armed with professional concepts & empirical data, community leaders can more effectively advocate with property owners & developers for desired businesses that align with community needs & preferences.
Without a plan, change happens without direction. With one, we can protect what we love while improving what we need.
Once finalized, the plan will guide decision-making for years to come—helping the Town and its partners prioritize projects, seek funding, and measure progress. It’s a living document that can evolve with the community.

Why does the Downtown Master Plan Matter?

Growth is inevitable—but how we grow is up to us. This plan focuses on preserving our historic charm while planning for thoughtful, community-focused development.
The plan will provide clear policy guidance to help Town leaders make decisions that align with our shared goals.
From parking and lighting to walkability and accessibility, the plan will outline key priorities and how to implement them.
Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are actively involved in shaping the plan, ensuring it reflects a wide range of voices.
With measurable goals and a 10-year action framework, we’ll be able to track our progress and adapt as needed—together.
As part of Waxhaw’s FY25 Capital Improvement Plan, the Downtown Master Plan will focus on:
- Thoughtful infill development that complements existing architecture
- Parking strategies and streetscape lighting enhancements
- Improved accessibility and walkability
- A 10-year roadmap with clear goals, action steps, and metrics

We had a great time connecting with you at the Kaleidoscope Festival!

Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas for downtown on our ‘idea tree’. We loved hearing your thoughts and appreciated your creativity & enthusiasm!

Your feedback was positive & constructive, showing how much we all care about downtown & its potential.

Together, we can create a downtown that not only retains its character but also remains a hub of activity, culture, and connection.

Stay tuned for updates on how your ideas might be brought to life!