2025: A Turning Point for Downtown Newport

As the ice settles on Lake Memphremagog, Newport Downtown Development (NDD) is looking back on 2025 as a definitive “turning point” year. From significant strides in planning for new development to a renewed sense of community pride, we can feel the shift as the community has moved to planning for the future.

Here is a recap of the highlights, milestones, and momentum that defined Downtown Newport in 2025.

Building the Foundation: Major Infrastructure & Housing

This year, the conversation in Newport shifted from “what if” to “when.” The focus remained on revitalizing the downtown core and addressing the critical housing shortage.

The Master Plan Becomes Reality:

Following the City Council’s unanimous approval of the Detailed Master Plan, 2025 saw the launch of the “Next Phase” survey. This initiative moved beyond roads and pipes, asking residents to help brainstorm the specific types of businesses and amenities they want to see in the revitalized downtown.

Addressing The Nuts and Bolts of Development:

From building relationships with potential downtown developers to laying the groundwork for greater housing density throughout Newport, NDD and the City of Newport have been working together to prepare for the housing initiatives that have the potential to transform the City.

Moving the House:

This fall we moved the house at the Corner of Union and E. Main onto its new foundation and the NCCC students are still working hard!

A Greener, More Beautiful Downtown

Beautification wasn’t just about aesthetics this year—it was about long-term sustainability and local art.

Public Art Sculptures:

Keep an eye out for ten new sculptures that have been mounted all over our downtown! Designed by North Country Union High School Advanced Art students, these pieces represent the next generation’s investment in their city’s identity. They’re backlit so that they are actually easier to see in the dark than they are during the day.

“Glimpses of Wonder”:

The Tiny Art projects kicked off with a strikingly painted fire hydrant by local artist Paloma Valenta, turning a piece of mundane infrastructure into a burst of color. Can you find all six of the tiny art installations downtown?

“The Newport Initiative” Video

NDD released a cinematic “love letter” to the city, showcasing the majestic Lake Memphremagog and the gritty, determined spirit of its residents. It showed off so many of the events and activities that make people love our community.

From the NEK Express Train and Hometown Holidays to Wednesdays on the Waterfront and the Kingdom Swim, and from the Forage Fest in the Spring to the Chili competition in the fall, locals and visitors alike spent a lot of time hanging out in Newport.