Church Street Marketplace

Church Street Marketplace is a historic pedestrian shopping and dining area located in the heart of Burlington, Vermont, surrounded by notable landmarks such as City Hall Park and the Unitarian Universalist Church. The marketplace is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique blend of Vermont-made products, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and Lake Champlain Chocolates. Visitors can stroll along the brick-paved street, lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, similar to that of Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts and Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. The marketplace is also within walking distance of the University of Vermont and Champlain College.

● History

The concept of Church Street Marketplace was first introduced in the 1950s by Burlington Mayor Robert Katz, who envisioned a pedestrian-only shopping area, inspired by European cities like Paris, France and Rome, Italy. The project was later developed by Burlington City Arts and designed by Andres Duany, a renowned New Urbanism architect, in collaboration with DPZ Partners. The marketplace officially opened in 1981, with the support of local businesses, including The Burlington Free Press and WCAX-TV. Since its inception, the marketplace has undergone several renovations, including a major restoration project in 2010, led by The Church Street Marketplace Foundation and funded by The National Endowment for the Arts and the Vermont Arts Council.

● Location and Layout

Church Street Marketplace is situated in the heart of Burlington, Vermont, within walking distance of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The marketplace spans four blocks, from Main Street to Pearl Street, and features a unique layout, with a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Old Courthouse and the Unitarian Universalist Church. The area is easily accessible by car, with several parking garages, including the Marketplace Garage and the College Street Garage, and by public transportation, with stops for the Chittenden County Transportation Authority and Greyhound Lines. Visitors can also arrive by bike, using the Burlington Bike Path and the Island Line Trail, which connect to the Lake Champlain Islands and the Green Mountains.

● Shops and Restaurants

The marketplace is home to over 100 unique shops and restaurants, including Ben & Jerry's, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and The Vermont Flannel Company. Visitors can find a wide range of products, from Vermont-made crafts and jewelry to Outdoor Gear Exchange equipment and Patagonia clothing. The area is also known for its diverse dining options, with restaurants serving everything from traditional New England cuisine to Ethiopian and Indian food, including The Farmhouse Tap & Grill and Leunig's Bistro. In addition, the marketplace features several cafes, like Uncommon Grounds and The Coffee Shop, and bakeries, such as The Bakery and La Brioche.

● Events and Entertainment

Church Street Marketplace hosts a variety of events and entertainment options throughout the year, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the Vermont Folk Life Center's Festival of Traditional Music, and the Burlington City Arts' First Night Burlington celebration. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, from The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts to The Higher Ground music venue, and street performances, such as jugglers, magicians, and musicians. The marketplace also features several galleries, including the Burlington City Arts' BCA Center and the Fletcher Free Library's Art Gallery, showcasing the work of local and regional artists, like Wolf Kahn and Claire Van Vliet.

● Impact on Local Economy

Church Street Marketplace has a significant impact on the local economy, generating over $100 million in annual sales and supporting over 1,000 jobs, according to a study by the University of Vermont's Gund Institute for Ecological Economics. The marketplace is a major driver of tourism in the region, attracting visitors from across the United States and around the world, including Canada and Europe. The area is also home to several local businesses, including The Burlington Free Press and WCAX-TV, and is a hub for community activity, with events and festivals sponsored by organizations like the Vermont Community Foundation and the United Way of Northwest Vermont. As a result, the marketplace has been recognized as a model for successful downtown revitalization, with awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Planning Association. Category:Shopping districts in the United States