Burlington Great Streets
SE Group collaborated with Stantec and the City of Burlington to reimagine two key downtown corridors—Bank and Cherry Streets—as part of the city’s award-winning Great Streets BTV initiative. Located just one block from the iconic Church Street Marketplace, these streets were redesigned to enhance multimodal mobility, improve stormwater management, and strengthen Burlington’s identity as a vibrant, walkable, and sustainable downtown.
The Bank and Cherry Street redesign represents Burlington’s next generation of Great Streets, seamlessly connecting public spaces, businesses, and transportation networks. The streetscape design merges function and beauty, blending innovative green infrastructure with timeless New England character. Stormwater planters, rain gardens, and permeable pavers manage runoff and add greenery to the urban core. Thoughtfully placed seating pods and flexible gathering spaces create moments of rest and social interaction.
The project also demonstrates how a small city can lead by example in sustainable street design, balancing mobility, ecology, and placemaking in a way that reflects community values and strengthens downtown vibrancy.
The Challenge
Following decades of urban renewal that disrupted Burlington’s traditional street grid, the City sought to restore critical east-west connections and create a cohesive pedestrian experience that would extend the energy of Church Street into surrounding blocks. The redesign needed to accommodate a mix of transportation modes while maintaining essential parking, supporting local businesses, and addressing stormwater challenges in Vermont’s northern climate.
SE Group’s Role
SE Group worked closely with Stantec and City staff to apply Burlington’s Great Streets BTV Downtown Street Design Standards to the Bank and Cherry Street corridors. The team developed context-sensitive design concepts that balanced access, safety, and placemaking. SE Group led streetscape and public realm design, integrating features such as green infrastructure, stormwater planters, parklets, and pedestrian amenities that create inviting, human-scaled streets.
Each block was designed to fit Burlington’s unique context. The plans prioritized wide sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and sustainable transit access, while preserving on-street parking vital to small businesses. Landscaped parklets, granite seating walls, coordinated lighting, and native plantings all contribute to an identity that is distinctly Burlington.
The Impact
The redesigned Bank and Cherry Streets extend the success of Church Street Marketplace and strengthen Burlington’s downtown network. These corridors will serve as complete streets that prioritize people, connect to regional transit, and embody the city’s vision for an equitable, walkable, and resilient public realm. By blending art, ecology, and accessibility, this project reaffirms Burlington’s reputation as one of the most livable and forward-thinking small cities in America.
Deliverables
- Corridor design and concept plans for Bank and Cherry Streets
- Streetscape and public realm design guidelines
- Multimodal transportation and access analysis
- Green infrastructure and stormwater management concepts
- Lighting, materials, and furnishing plans aligned with Great Streets BTV standards
- Implementation and phasing recommendations
Services Provided
- Urban design and streetscape planning
- Green infrastructure and stormwater planning
- Multimodal and transportation planning
- Community engagement and collaboration
- Design standards application and coordination
- Implementation strategy and phasing
