Take a glance at what midtown’s latest multi-use development could look like after completion. | Rendering provided by The Exchange Raleigh
In Midtown, billion dollar mixed-use development The Exchange Raleigh is loading up on additions.
Open for biz
Last year, the development announced a collaboration with Life Time to create an expansive community featuring various residential options, an athletic country club, and green spaces.
Besides spaces made to live or work, there’s a ton more to explore. Retailers and places to eat currently open include:
Skin Pharm | A modern cosmetic retailer and dermatology practice that offers services like filler and microneedling.
Coming soon
The completion of the development is slated for 2027, but there’s still plenty to look forward to in upcoming developmental phases.
Peregrine | Opening early 2025 | The contemporary eatery, founded by chefs Saif Rahman + Patrick Shanahan, will be located in 1000 Social and will boast 4,000 sqft. Its menu will be a blend of NC cuisine and South Asian dishes.
Bill Bellamy | Through Sunday, Feb. 2 | Times vary | Raleigh Improv | $40 | See this “Def Jam Comedy” comedian live.
The Art of Wine: Sake and Samurai | NC Museum of Art | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | $150 | Indulge in the history of Japanese wine with food pairings and ancient artifacts.
Thursday, Jan. 30
“Paint Me This House of Love” | Through Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Burning Coal Theatre Company | $5+ | Enjoy this live production that follows the estranged relationship between a father, daughter, and a home renovation filled with heartfelt scenes and comedic relief.
Saturday, Feb. 1
3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off & Tasting | 3-6 p.m. | The Green Monkey | $15+ | Eat your heart out + try a variety of chilis at this annual event.
Cupid Karaoke | 8-11 p.m. | Killjoy | Price of purchase | Sing off-key to your favorite tunes with a cocktail and try the Drop It crafted shot.
Hopscotch Music Festival is returning Sept. 4-6, and tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. As one of Raleigh’s most anticipated events, the three-day long festival engages Oak City in a weekend full of music, local events, and day parties.
Tech
Raleigh and Durham have seen a surge in high-paying tech jobs, particularly in computer, engineering, and management (CEM) roles. Since 2010, CEM jobs in the Triangle have increased by 60%, with average wages nearing $122,000, nearly double the national average. (Triangle Business Journal)
Community
King’s Ridge, a new affordable housing complex in Raleigh, will open in February to house formerly homeless individuals. The complex has 100 units and offers on-site health services, and it aims to support a “housing-first” approach to reduce homelessness by 10%. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Raleigh’s annual Trashion competition is accepting applicants now through Friday, Feb. 28. Fashion enthusiasts of various backgrounds are encouraged to apply and show off recycle-themed fashions for a chance to win a cash prize sum of $500.
Coming Soon
Durham chefs Matt Kelly and Tom Cuomo are opening Dino’s, a new pizza restaurant in the University Hill district this spring. The menu will feature Italian-American favorites like pizza, hoagies, and wings, with a focus on New Jersey-style pies. The restaurant will also have a large outdoor patio and delivery service. (Axios Raleigh)
Environment
The City of Raleigh is seeking feedback on parks and programs, focusing on ideas for staying cool in urban spaces. Eligible community members can join a feedback session on Friday, Feb. 7 or Friday, 28 and will receive a $25 gift card. Interested folks can apply via a screener form.
Eat
The Super Bowl is just 10 days away, but who’s counting. Focus your energy on the game — not cooking the snacks — by pre-ordering a catering tray from Lowes Foods. Think: Chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, sweet treats, and more. Browse all options.*
Tech
Say hello to cutting-edge care. Vista Oral Surgery & Implants has officially opened at 9305 Leesville Rd., Ste. 102 in Raleigh. Discover advanced treatments and a team dedicated to your smile transformation. Schedule your consultation.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Wellness
Simplify healthy living for your whole family. Thrive Market brings groceries free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients right to your doorstep. Sign up to get 30% off your first order, plus a free gift valued at $60.*
Category
Development
Epic Games’ halted plans
Epic Games purchased the former mall site in 2020. | Photo via Town of Cary
Epic Games has officially withdrawn its rezoning request for the former Cary Towne Center, putting its plans to build a new headquarters at the site on hold. The request, initially filed in 2021, was pulled due to inactivity after Epic Games did not submit updated plans or progress for over a year.
Cary officials have pushed back on the video game company’s vision for a mixed-use campus with office space, commercial areas, and a hotel due to lack of clarity in the plans. The former mall, purchased for $100 million in 2020, was completely demolished but has sat nearly untouched since.
Despite this setback, Epic Games has continued investing in renovations at its current headquarters in Cary. If the company intends to revisit the Cary Towne Center project, it will need to restart the rezoning process from scratch, including submitting a new application and associated fees.
The Buy
The Buy
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Dress up your space with these adorable + affordable decorations.
I vowed to get more active in 2025 and in order to do that I’ve been trying new activities. First I tried cycling and that was a bust — but I’m really considering a beginner’s yoga class. I plan to venture through some Raleigh studios to see if I can find a yoga home.