Paresi Study: Concord Point

Name a better spot in Harford County than Concord Point and the land surrounding it.

Go ahead. The comments section is below. I'll wait.

The promenade. The Concord Point Lighthouse. The Maritime Museum. The Decoy Museum. The O'Neil House.

What more could you ask for?

A restaurant, you say?

Improved streetscaping? Another museum or art-based attraction?

Those items and more were recommended in the Paresi Design Studio's 1997 study on Havre de Grace.

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This is the 10th post in a series of articles refreshing the visions of the Paresi Design Studio's "Urban Design and Waterfront Study," which was completed in February 1997.

The study referred to the Concord Point area on the southern end of the city as “emerging as the primary cultural/historical attraction in the region.”

The study called for a “Heritage Park” to “allow for future growth while maintaining its special character.”

The park would be situated along Lafayette Street, creating a spot for outdoor events. The plaza would also serve as an observatory of sorts for an “ecology park” situated between the Decoy Museum and the cove near the Maritime Museum.

The proposal called for an expanded Decoy Museum with a “grand entrance” to the new plaza. Expanded parking was proposed for the museum, too.

Another structure was proposed for the corner of Lafayette and Market streets to house another cultural or arts attraction.

A destination restaurant was proposed for the land accompanying the lighthouse at Concord Point. The restaurant would offer an incredible view of the upper Chesapeake Bay.

A restoration of the O’Neil House and a low, stone wall around the building were included in the study.

As with all aspects of the study, streetscape and landscape improvements were included for the area.

Among the many stumbling blocks: the property along Market Street adjoining the Decoy Museum is currently privately-owned residences.

There’s also bound to be significant community pushback for a restaurant to be built near the Concord Point Lighthouse.

TELL US: What do you think of the study’s proposals for the area near Concord Point? Would you be in favor of another museum? What about a restaurant near the light house? Leave a comment.