The District Exchange

Description: Inspired by shopping arcades from around the world, the District Exchange’s vision is to showcase 22 Union as it was originally intended, as a thriving mixed-use epicenter for historic downtown Concord. Connect, create, shop, and dine across two expansive levels, including a reimagined mezzanine opening to the public for the first time since 1977.

The District Exchange begins renovations early 2025 to become downtown Concord’s only multi-level retail and dining destination, featuring an inspired mix of staffed merchants and experiences—all under one roof.

Comments: Large space with a bunch of shops inside, including Crane Coffee, which is easily the most welcoming spot in the building. There’s Wi-Fi, but it’s specific to each business, so your best bet is to grab something from Crane Coffee and ask for their password.

Upstairs, there are some rocking chairs where you can sit and benevolently peer down at everyone below as they scuttle about fueling the American economy. Which is to say, they're excellent people watching seats. Aside from that, there's a few large tables, a few small tables, and then the seating within Crane Coffee. Overall, compared to the size of the building, there isn't a ton of seating, but what they have is sufficient.

Now, I wouldn’t call this place cozy, and it’s definitely not the spot to read quietly, study, or work remotely. It’s better for meeting friends, walking around, and chatting for a while. The whole Downtown Concord area has plenty of great third places, so if you haven’t explored it yet, it’s worth a visit. Just check the map!