Construction Updates
Parking
Downtown Boone is still open for business during the Howard Street Revitalization Project—and we hope you’ll continue to support your favorite local shops, restaurants, and service providers throughout construction! While Howard Street may look a little different for a while, there are still plenty of convenient ways to access everything you love about downtown.
We encourage visitors to take advantage of metered parking along King Street for quick stops and short visits. If you’re planning to stay a bit longer, the King Street lot, Depot Street lot, and Queen Street lot offer longer-term parking options just a short walk from Howard Street businesses. Your continued support during this time means the world to our local merchants—and every visit helps keep our downtown vibrant and thriving as we make long-term improvements.
Howard Street Project Overview
Reimagining Howard Street:
A Downtown Boone Transformation
Howard Street is on the verge of an exciting transformation—a long-awaited revitalization project that will bring a more pedestrian-friendly, bike-accessible, and vibrant downtown corridor. With construction set to begin, this initiative represents a major investment in Boone’s infrastructure, quality of life, and future economic growth. For decades, Howard Street has been a beloved yet underutilized part of our downtown. With this revitalization project, we are creating a street that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability while enhancing the charm and character that make Boone so special.What’s Coming to Howard Street?
This ambitious project will reshape Howard Street into a welcoming, modern, and efficient space. Key improvements include:A Walkable, Bikeable Future
- A new pedestrian path and dedicated bike lane will make it easier than ever to explore downtown Boone without a car.
- Safer street crossings, ADA-accessible tactile surfaces, and widened sidewalks will create a more inclusive environment for all.
Smarter, Safer Streets
- Howard Street will be converted to a one-way traffic flow, easing congestion and improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
- New street lighting and electrical upgrades will enhance safety and functionality for businesses, visitors, and residents.
A Greener, More Beautiful Downtown
- Over 8,500 square feet of new brick hardscaping, landscaping, and plantings will add natural beauty to the area.
- Tree grates and guards will ensure that our urban canopy continues to thrive, reinforcing Boone’s dedication to green space.
Modernizing Infrastructure
- Over 1,500 feet of new water mains and 1,200 feet of upgraded sewer mains will enhance Boone’s infrastructure for years to come.
- Improved storm-water management with nearly 1,400 feet of new piping and 36 inlets and manholes will prevent flooding and improve drainage.
Powering the Future
- Electrical upgrades will include major overhead-to-underground utility relocations, enhancing the street’s aesthetics while improving reliability.
- Conduit for future electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be installed, making Boone more EV-friendly as we move toward a more sustainable future.
A Stronger Future for Businesses & Development
Beyond just fixing old pipes, these upgrades make Howard Street ripe for future development and provide greater stability for existing businesses. A modernized infrastructure means:- Fewer service disruptions for water, sewer, and power, keeping businesses running smoothly.
- Increased investment potential, as developers and entrepreneurs will be drawn to an area with strong, up-to-date utilities.
- A downtown built for long-term success, ensuring that Boone’s core remains a thriving hub for commerce, culture, and community.
A Commitment to Community
We know how important Howard Street is to Boone’s vibrant downtown culture, which is why this project has been designed with minimal disruption in mind. Work will pause for key community events, ensuring that the heart of our town remains open and accessible for celebrations, tailgates, and gatherings. This project isn’t just about fixing roads—it’s about reimagining the future of Downtown Boone. A safer, more beautiful, and more accessible Howard Street will benefit local businesses, residents, students, and visitors for generations to come. With 450 days of work ahead, we ask for patience and support as we build something truly transformative for Boone. By investing in our infrastructure today, we are shaping a stronger, more connected, and more resilient downtown for tomorrow. This revitalization isn’t just about the present—it’s about building a downtown that can grow and thrive for generations to come.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Howard Street History
A Walk Through History: Howard Street in Boone
Howard Street is more than just a road in downtown Boone—it’s a path through time, shaped by local legends, town growth, and community stories. While its exact origins remain a bit of a mystery, there are two main theories about how it got its name.
Theories Behind the Name
One popular belief is that Howard Street was named after Benjamin Howard, a frontiersman known for herding cattle in the New River valleys. He reportedly had a hunting cabin near Boone Creek, close to where the Daniel Boone with Hunting Dogs statue now stands on the Appalachian State University campus. His name also lives on in Howard’s Knob, the towering ridge just north of town.
Another theory claims that Calvin Jones Cottrell named the street after his grandson, Howard Cottrell. The story goes that during an auction in 1913 for a new neighborhood called “Appalachia”, the first buyer was given the honor of naming the street. When Cottrell secured the first lot, he supposedly said, “Well, I’ve got my grandson Howard with me. I’ll just name it Howard Street.”
From Open Land to Main Street Dreams
Regardless of its name’s origin, Howard Street didn’t always exist. When Boone was officially mapped out in 1849–1850, this road wasn’t even part of the plan. It wasn’t until 1913 that the eastern portion of the street was established, coinciding with the annexation of E. S. Coffey’s “Appalachia” subdivision. By 1915, local advertisements were already referring to it as Howard Street.
The western section took shape a bit later, starting in 1924. Boone was growing, and there was a push to create a “second main business street” alongside King Street. With warehouses popping up near the Linville River Railway tracks, this area was becoming an important commercial hub. By 1934, Howard Street was officially a through-street, connecting key parts of town.
Howard Street Today
If you walk down Howard Street now, you’re actually moving through two separate sections:
- Western Segment – Runs from Burrell Street, through Depot Street and Appalachian Street, looping behind the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.
- Eastern Segment – Starts at the College Street traffic circle and stretches to Hardin Street/Blowing Rock Road.
Even though it was developed in phases, Howard Street remains an important part of Boone’s downtown identity—a mix of history, local legend, and the town’s ever-evolving landscape.
Source:
Howard Street – Boone Street Names Project Report (Oct. 3, 2023). Town of Boone.
Lane Moody:
Downtown Development Coordinator
Phone: (828) 268-6283
Email: lane.moody@townofboone.net
