Triangle Area Real Estate News & Information

Downtown Cary’s revitalization is nearly complete and has transformed what had been a relatively ho-hum town center into a vibrant cultural center with much to do for the whole family. Since the beginning of the downtown revitalization project, many unique restaurants and businesses have opened their doors and much has been done in terms of beautification.

The Beginning

One of downtown Cary’s first renovations was the 2011 transformation of the former Cary High School into the Cary Arts Center, where a variety of classes and performances now take  place. Pieces of artwork were placed around the downtown area  as well, giving it a sense of character. The Jones House, a  property originally constructed in 1896, was purchased and  renovated by the Town of Cary, and is now available for leasing as  a commercial property.

Business Expansion

 As part of the downtown revitalization, several new food and  drink locales have opened, such as the Academy Street Bistro,  which offers Italian-American cuisine in a quaint atmosphere.  Diners may eat on a patio that offers an excellent view of  Academy Street, which is particularly lovely at night. Pharmacy  Bottle + Beverage opened soon after around the corner. The  brewery is packed on weekend nights with customers enjoying  their extensive wine and beer selection (they offer 16 taps!) in its  unique industrial setting. Downtown Cary’s newest business is  FRESH. Local Ice Cream, which gets its ingredients weekly from  local dairy farms.

Downtown Cary’s new business offerings also include a small theater, The Cary, which offers independent films, music, and live performances. The Cary originally opened in 1946 and was the town’s first indoor movie theater, but the property was out of use for years until the Town of Cary bought it in 2011 and began renovations.

Additionally, The Mayton Inn, a boutique hotel, was recently constructed. The inn’s rooms each have their own distinct style, as every single one is unique. The hotel also features event and meeting spaces and an upscale restaurant.

A Mix of Old and New

Downtown Cary is scattered with art and jewelry galleries and fashion boutiques, many that opened long before the revitalization project began – the town made sure to maintain tradition in face of the renovations. The best example of this is Ashworth Drug, a pharmacy with an old-fashioned soda fountain, a hallmark of the town that was founded in 1957. The downtown’s beautiful First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church have also been open for years.

The Epicenter of Activity

The most recent and arguably the most impactful renovation to downtown Cary is the town park, which includes a huge fountain that lights up at night and a performance green and stage area. At any time of the day, people of all ages can be seen enjoying each other’s company at the park, whether they are chatting by the fountain or playing foosball, ping pong, or chess at the tables provided by the town. The park is an ideal addition to downtown Cary, as it provides a place for the community to gather.

With the help of the revitalization project, downtown Cary has become  a true community center, where people of any age or background are welcome to enjoy all that it has to offer – cultural spaces, artwork, and businesses old and new.

If you're considering a home in Cary for your next move, get in touch with us to learn more about the market and its exciting new communities.