The District Exchange Brings New Life to the Historic Cabarrus Theatre
Downtown Concord, North Carolina, has a new reason to celebrate — but the story of The District Exchange is about more than new shops and restaurants. It's about the revival of one of Union Street's most historic buildings.
Breathing New Life Into a Historic Landmark
Located at 22 Union Street North, the towering brick structure that now houses The District Exchange once echoed with laughter and applause as the Cabarrus Theatre. Built in the early 20th century, the building was also home to the Concord National Bank before eventually falling silent. For nearly 50 years, this once-bustling downtown Concord centerpiece sat vacant — a timeworn symbol of the city's fading golden era.
In 2019, Concord residents Kristen and Tristan Adamczuk purchased the 20,000-square-foot property, determined to restore not only the building's structure but also its spirit. The couple had already revitalized several nearby properties on Union Street, including those that now house Cellar Door Wine Shop, The Palmetto Market, and Cut at an Angle. But this project, they say, was significant — a chance to transform a forgotten piece of history into a living hub of community, creativity, and commerce.
From Cabarrus Theatre to The District Exchange
The Adamczuks reimagined the old Cabarrus Theatre as a modern indoor marketplace—a place where the past meets the present. Drawing inspiration from Charlotte's Latta Arcade and Optimist Hall, they designed The District Exchange as a two-story collection of micro-retail spaces, local eateries, and gathering areas, much like the marketplaces that once defined downtown life across America.
Today, the building hums with activity once again. Inside its restored walls, you'll find more than a dozen small businesses—many of them women-owned—offering everything from handcrafted goods to baked treats and specialty coffee. The space now serves as a creative incubator for local entrepreneurs, reigniting the entrepreneurial energy that has long defined downtown Concord.
Anchor tenants include Crane Coffee Co., First-N-Flights, an aviation-themed whiskey and wine bar, and the popular Mooresville-based Bae's Burgers, which will open its second location in early 2026. Each new business adds its own flavor to the growing mix. Still, the heart of the project remains the same: preserving the legacy and vitality of one of Cabarrus County's historic treasures.
A Vision Rooted in History—and Community
The District Exchange stands today as a testament to downtown Concord's resilience and the power of restoration. What was once an empty shell has been transformed into a showcase for small business innovation and historical preservation.
"This milestone represents years of vision, investment, partnership, and, most importantly, belief in the future of downtown Concord," said the Adamczuks in a recent statement. "We're proud that The District Exchange can honor the history of this space while supporting the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs."
Honoring Concord's Past, Building Its Future
For locals who remember the days of the Cabarrus Theatre, the revitalized building rekindles nostalgia — proof that downtown Concord's historic character is alive and well. For newcomers, The District Exchange is a fresh, dynamic destination that connects visitors to the rich history of Cabarrus County while encouraging them to support the businesses shaping its future.
A grand opening celebration for The District Exchange's completed storefronts is planned for early 2026. Until then, visitors can explore open shops and follow the project's progress on Instagram at @thedistrict.exchange.
