In 1990, The Town of Essex developed a new, comprehensive town plan which called for a new mixed-use growth area on the land adjacent to the intersection of Vermont Rt. 189 (the "Circ" Highway) and VT Rt. 15.  The new zone was developed with these 5 goals:

The goals of the town plan adopted by Essex were in agreement with those developed by the Chittenden County Regional Planning commission and the State of Vermont. These goals were that Vermont should strive to retain its character by encouraging growth in compact village centers which integrated housing, commercial and retail uses.  Creating comprehensively designed village centers would make new desirable neighborhoods a reality for the citizens of Vermont

For the last decade, HDI has worked with the town and state to turn a planning concept into a reality.  The first phase of the town center has already combined a mix of uses that complement the Essex Outlet Fair and is well on its way to becoming a major center serving Vermont's largest private employer.

Current uses include a bank, restaurants, service and retail outlets, and professional offices in combination with over 50 new and historic residential units.  Reconstruction of the Old Stage Road intersection with Route 15 has begun which will provide for a second lighted intersection serving the Essex Town Center and ultimately linking the center with the Essex Outlet Fair.

It is envisioned that upon full development of the Essex Town Center and Outlet Fair that some 650 permanent jobs will have been created. The architectural vision agreed on by the Town representatives, Eurowest, and Homestead Design calls for one, two, and three story scaled buildings which recall traditional themes, materials, and scale into the exterior design throughout the site. The intent is that the resulting environment have the feel of traditional New England town architecture which has evolved over a number of years.

A careful mixture of complementary users, extra amounts of on-street parking and plenty of mass parking, in lots to the rear of buildings located along Main Street and Old Stage extension, will allow comfortable access for customers visiting the Town Center. Phase I will provide for a mix of high quality Vermont retailers and national businesses. Retailers locating within the Essex Town Center will be able to capitalize on the regional draw that the Essex Outlet Fair is creating as well as the 180+ units of housing planned as an integral part of the new Town Center. Also nearby, Essex's golden triangle has been zoned to accommodate the vast majority of residential growth, which will occur in the foreseeable future. Additional retail and office space and a town municipal building are planned as future additions in Phase II development.