While Cary has been on the same growth trajectory as the rest of the Triangle, historically most of that growth has happened in the suburban areas of Town. Over the last few years, however, the Downtown core has seen an exciting number of new projects delivered and currently under construction. On a recent fall day (October 12, 2022) I took a stroll through downtown after parking my car at the new Town of Cary Library Parking Deck. If you haven’t been recently, I highly recommend heading to check out what’s happening in Downtown Cary for yourself.
As you enjoy the great pedestrian infrastructure through town you will also be able to see:
- The new Cary Regional Library
- The Walker Apartments
- The Lee & Associates Headquarters Office
- Downtown Cary Park
- The Center
- The Rogers Building
The New Cary Regional Library
You have been able to check out books in the heart of Cary for decades, and after a life of great service, the library got an upgrade in a new location a few hundred feet away. The new library opened in November 2019.
The modern library has a ton of natural light for you to enjoy your reading and studying on both the first and second floors. From the northwest corner of the building there is a great spot to check out the construction activity in the Downtown Cary Park as well as get a great view up Academy Street.
The Walker Apartments
As construction wraps up, The Walker Apartments are now accepting leases. The 153 units are located directly behind the new library and wrap around the perimeter of the parking deck. Residents will have convenient parking in the deck.
The apartments front Walnut Street on The South and Walker Street on the east. The northern edge of the community faces out into the new Downtown Cary Park.
On the south side of the new parking deck, adjacent to the Walker Apartments is a pad ready site for a new commercial building that fronts Walnut Street.
The Lee & Associates Headquarters Office
Moving south across Walnut Street you will see a new office building being built by Lee & Associates for their Raleigh Durham Market headquarters office.
The three story building sits at the corner of Walnut Street and Kildare Farm Road. The design includes two stories of office space above a single story of ground floor retail. The third floor also includes a large patio space.
Downtown Cary Park
At the center of this development activity is the 7-acre Downtown Cary Park.
The vision for the new Downtown Cary Park was first laid out in 2013 and likely had a large impact on attracting investment in these other projects. The park will include:
- Bark Bar
- Performance Pavilion
- The Nest
- Gathering Garden
- Great Lawn
- Sky Walk
- Town Square
Construction is projected to be complete in the summer of 2023. You will definitely catch me relaxing with the family in this beautiful park when it’s complete!
The Center
Located in the heart of Chatham Street is the redevelopment of The Center, which was completed in 2022. Developed by a partnership between Chatham Street Commercial and Mackenen Property group, investment included upgraded outdoor seating and a rejuvenated facade.
Some of the tenants you will find when you visit The Center are:
- Art by Shalimar
- Di Fara Pizza Tavern
- Geluna Gelato
- Hank’s Downtown Dive
- Taipei 101
- Wyatt’s World
The Rogers Building
Further east on Chatham Street is a new 50,000 square foot office building with ground floor retail, also being developed by Chatham Street Commercial.
The Rogers East and Rogers West Building will be connected in the center by elevated walkways. The project will deliver 40,000 square feet of office and 10,000 square feet of retail to the heart of downtown Cary.
Directly next to the building, additional infrastructure upgrades and investment are creating the pedestrian friendly Rogers Alley.
Conclusion
Next time you are in Downtown Cary, take a few extra minutes to take a stroll around. I think you will be surprised and impressed with what you see!
