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Downtown EC Revitalization / Improvement Projects
Many Downtown Waterfront Improvement projects are upcoming or are in process. This page is designed to keep the community informed. Updates that involved some disruption are noted directly below, followed by more complete project individual project information.
*This page was last updated on 11-17-25*
11-17-25 Updates
Water Street Transformation Project: The first and second sections of Phase 1 sidewalk have been completed, and Phase 4 has been completed (except for the brick pavers). Brick paver installation for both sections is scheduled to be completed the week of November 17th.
The timeline for the project has been changed and the order of the Phases has changed: Start: June 30, 2025 End: February 24, 2026*
***There will be a work stoppage from November 18 through December 29 so as not to interfere with the holiday shopping and experience season for the retail businesses and events on Water Street.
Phase 2: December 29* - January 22* – East side of Water St. from Fearing to Main St. and short section of Main St. to condo entrance (near Mariners’ Wharf Park and former Rochelle Cleaners). *Also one drive at the Waterworks building that was purposely delayed.
Phase 3: January 12* – February 24* – West side of Water St. from Fearing to E Main (Singer Sewing, Harmon Law, Dockside Aesthetics, Cypress Creek Grill, Water & Main Décor, Roots on the River Hair Salon, The Kraken Coffeehouse.)
*indicates a change in schedule
Waterfront Improvements: Harbor Towns:
Phase 3 Waterfront Park - (Over-water) -- *mid-November start - March 2026
Work on the platform pier and addition of pilings to begin week of November 17. Estimated to be completed by first of March. (There may be some noise and vibrations associated with installation of the pilings.) The repair of the Waterfront Park boat ramp will begin immediately after. Some parking lot closures near the boat ramp may be necessary.
Phase 4 Mariners' Wharf Park (Over-water) -- *December 8 - January 30, 2026
Boater improvements/amenities (installation of electric/water pedestals, railing replacement) to start December 8 through end of January. Pilings for addition of 2 larger boat dockage to start middle of January, 2026. This work involves trenching through Mariners’ Wharf Park and across the existing brick walkway. This will require the closure of one side of the parking lot and the closure of the walkways from just south of the pump station to the pavilion area.
Waterfront Improvements: Harbor Towns
Waterfront Park & Mariners Wharf Park
Phase 1 Waterfront Park (Land-based, land based -- *February - *October 2025
Construction of new bathroom facility, lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, parking lot, entrance work. COMPLETED
Phase 2 Mariners' Wharf Park (Land-based) -- August - *mid-January 2026
Building Renovations (bathroom/shower improvements and concession stand)
Phase 3 Waterfront Park - (Over-water) -- *mid-November start - March 2026
Work on the platform pier and addition of pilings to begin week of November 17. Estimated to be completed by first of March. (There may be some noise and vibrations associated with installation of the pilings.) The repair of the Waterfront Park boat ramp will begin immediately after. Some parking lot closures near the boat ramp may be necessary.
Phase 4 Mariners' Wharf Park (Over-water) -- *December 8 - January 30, 2026
Boater improvements/amenities (installation of electric/water pedestals, railing replacement) to start December 8 through end of January. Pilings for addition of 2 larger boat dockage to start middle of January, 2026. This work involves trenching through Mariners’ Wharf Park and across the existing brick walkway. This will require the closure of one side of the parking lot and the closure of the walkways from just south of the pump station to the pavilion area.
*projected timelines subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances *.
Water Street Transformation Project - Sidewalk Scape
11-17-25 Update -- Water Street Transformation Project: The first and second sections of Phase 1 sidewalk have been completed, and Phase 4 has been completed (except for the brick pavers). Brick paver installation for both sections is scheduled to be completed the week of November 17th.
The timeline for the project has been changed and the order of the Phases has changed: Start: June 30, 2025
End: February 24, 2026*
Phase 1 – June 30 – October 8* -- West side of Water Street from Ehringhaus to Fearing (near United Bank and ECPC Senior Center). -- COMPLETED
Phase 4 – October 9* – November 4* – East side of Water Street from Ehringhaus to E. Fearing (Waterworks Building/SAGOs on the River, EC pumphouse). This impacted two driveways/private parking lots near the WaterWorks building at 400 S. Water Street. Those driveways will need to remain closed while the concrete cures (until approximately December 3rd). --COMPLETED (with exception of one driveway)
***There will be a work stoppage from November 18 through December 29 so as not to interfere with the holiday shopping and experience season for the retail businesses and events on Water Street.
Phase 2 – December 29* - January 22* – East side of Water Street from Fearing to Main Street and short section of Main Street to condo entrance (near Mariners’ Wharf Park and former Rochelle Cleaners). *Also one drive at the Waterworks building that was purposely delayed.
Phase 3 – January 12* – February 24* – West side of Water Street from Fearing to E Main (Singer Sewing, Harmon Law, Dockside Aesthetics, Cypress Creek Grill, Water & Main Décor, Roots on the River Hair Salon, The Kraken Coffeehouse.)
*indicates a change in schedule
All four phases involve: equipment and supply mobilization, demolition of existing sidewalks, electrical wiring, base reconstruction sidewalk reconstruction (concrete forming & pouring), installation of light posts and event panels and other electrical features, installation of brick pavers, some drainage and curb work in Phase 3.
Contractor equipment/supply mobilization area: 514 E. Ehringhaus St. (former Verizon Building).
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Projected timelines subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.
In Process started 7/7/2025 - Estimated 5 months to completion
NCDOT Water Street Road Diet
This project entails stripping and repaving Water Street from Fearing Street to Shepard Street. The project involves changing the 5-lane traffic pattern to 3 lanes -- one lane going north, one lane going south, and a turning lane. Some parallel parking will be added (may not be exactly as many as indicated in visual). The NCDOT plan calls for repaving Southern Avenue to the Rivershore Road vicinity. This project is expected to start upon completion of the Water Street Transformation Project (Sidewalk scape).
Pool Street Park Project- COMPLETED
9-24-25 Update: Pool Street Park has been COMPLETED. A ribbon cutting has was held on November 7, at 3:00 pm at Pool Street Park.
Mariners' Wharf Park Boat Dock Improvements- COMPLETED
Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. initiated this project to make repairs and improvements to the finger piers at Mariners' Wharf Park. The docks were not the right height and size as safe disembarking piers for boaters. With funding from ECDI and the Elizabeth City Area Committee of 100, and partnership with ECPC Parks and Recreation, the docks at the slips were upfitted to be more safe, secure, and welcoming for boaters.
