Noteworthy News Around Raleigh and the Triangle – New Stores, Restaurants, Housing and Development
From new stores and restaurants to affordable housing, transit, business expansions and community milestones, Raleigh and the Triangle continue to grow. Here are some of the most noteworthy local stories to follow.
Design Within Reach Is Coming to Midtown Raleigh
Design Within Reach will open its first Raleigh showroom—and its second North Carolina location—on Friday, August 21. The Midtown showroom will feature modern furniture and home décor from brands including Herman Miller, Knoll and Fritz Hansen.
Punch Bowl Social Eyes Raleigh Iron Works
The former Jaguar Bolera space at Raleigh Iron Works may have found its next tenant. Fellow “eatertainment” company Punch Bowl Social has filed permits to take over the location, signaling new life for the venue following Jaguar Bolera’s closure. (Raleigh Magazine)
Hill House Home Is Opening at North Hills
Hill House Home, the lifestyle brand best known for its viral Nap Dress, plans to open its first Raleigh store at North Hills in spring 2027. The store will bring the company’s popular clothing, bedding, accessories and home collections to Midtown.
Raleigh Advances 317 Affordable Homes
Raleigh has finalized financing for four developments that will create or preserve 317 affordable homes. The projects will serve seniors, families, people in recovery and residents experiencing homelessness.
The financing moves these developments closer to construction and represents another step in the city’s effort to expand housing options for residents at different income levels.
Western Bus Rapid Transit Route May Bypass Morrisville
The planned Western Bus Rapid Transit line will likely bypass Morrisville. Town leaders have expressed disappointment that the route may not directly serve Morrisville residents, even though local transit tax revenue is helping fund the project.
Officials say bypassing the town may be the only realistic option for keeping the long-awaited transit corridor moving forward. (INDY Week)
Trained Dogs Are Helping Protect North Carolina Bog Turtles
Specially trained dogs are helping North Carolina biologists locate threatened bog turtles and their nests. The work could improve conservation efforts for one of the state’s smallest and rarest reptiles by helping researchers identify habitats and nesting areas that might otherwise be difficult to find. (The News & Observer)
UNC Graduate Builds a $230,000 Investment Portfolio
UNC graduate Mary Esposito reportedly turned $2,500 earned from selling handmade crafts into an investment portfolio worth approximately $230,000.
Esposito is now using her growing social media platform to teach members of Generation Z about budgeting, investing and long-term wealth building. (The News & Observer)
CAM Raleigh Puts Warehouse District Building on the Market
CAM Raleigh is officially placing its longtime Warehouse District home on the market. Museum leaders say selling the building will allow the nonprofit to devote more resources to artists, exhibitions and community programming.
The organization plans to reimagine its future around a smaller and more sustainable footprint. (WRAL)
Carolina Hurricanes Yard Sale Returns August 15
The Carolina Hurricanes’ annual Yard Sale returns to Lenovo Center on Saturday, August 15. Fans can shop for discounted team apparel, limited player-used equipment and game-worn memorabilia.
Popular items such as sticks and jerseys are expected to sell quickly, so serious collectors may want to arrive early. (The News & Observer)
Velvet & Vine Wine Lounge Is Coming to North Raleigh
Velvet & Vine plans to open at Falls River Town Center by the end of October. The new neighborhood wine spot will serve approachable European wines and small plates in a comfortable lounge setting.
Its owners want the space to feel welcoming whether customers arrive in flip-flops or formal attire. (Triangle Business Journal)
Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood Gets a Documentary
“There’s Something About Oakwood” will premiere Saturday, August 15, during Durham’s OutSouth Queer Film Festival.
The documentary explores the history of Raleigh’s Oakwood neighborhood, the residents who helped preserve it and the distinctive traditions that have made it one of the city’s most recognizable communities. (The News & Observer)
Time and Temperature Building Sells for $9.5 Million
The longtime Time and Temperature building across from Crabtree Valley Mall has sold for $9.5 million.
Local investor Andy English acquired the fully leased office property and reportedly plans to hold it as a long-term investment. (Triangle Business Journal)
Durham Keeps Stage 2 Water Restrictions
Recent rainfall has not been enough for Durham to lift its Stage 2 water restrictions. City officials are keeping the restrictions in place while they wait for reservoir levels to recover following months of drought conditions. (WUNC)
Residents should continue following the city’s current water-conservation requirements until officials announce a change.
7 Brew Opens Near the Triangle
Drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew has opened its first location near the Triangle in Smithfield.
The company is known for a highly customizable menu offering more than 20,000 potential drink combinations, bringing the fast-growing brand closer to Raleigh-area coffee fans. (The News & Observer)
Duke Basketball Schedules Major Preseason Matchups
Duke will face Tennessee and Kansas in preseason basketball matchups this October. The games will give fans an early look at head coach Jon Scheyer’s 2026–2027 Blue Devils squad.
The Tennessee matchup will be played at home. (The News & Observer)
Where Raleigh Moviegoers Can See “The Odyssey” in IMAX
Only 26 movie theaters in the United States can show films in IMAX 70mm, and Raleigh’s nearest location is reportedly in Buford, Georgia.
Raleigh moviegoers who want a premium large-screen experience without traveling that far can purchase tickets for “The Odyssey” at Marbles IMAX, home to North Carolina’s largest screen. (Axios)
321 Coffee Opens Cafe at Hitachi Energy Headquarters
Hitachi Energy has partnered with Raleigh-based 321 Coffee to open a private in-office café inside its expanded North American headquarters on NC State University’s Centennial Campus.
The partnership follows other workplace café collaborations with companies such as Pendo and Relias.
Since launching in 2017, 321 Coffee has built its business around creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The company now operates multiple locations, and its products are available through retailers including Costco.
Monty Sullivan Named President of NC Community Colleges
Monty Sullivan has been selected as the newest president and CEO of the North Carolina Community College System.
Sullivan previously held leadership positions with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and the Virginia Community College System. (Business North Carolina)
Lincoln Property Company Acquires The Spectrum Companies
Dallas-based Lincoln Property Company has acquired Charlotte-based The Spectrum Companies as part of an expansion across the Carolinas.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate plans for a decade-long, 20-story mixed-use development at 1201 Front Street in Midtown Raleigh. Plans call for office, retail and residential space. (Triangle Business Journal)
M&F Bank and Optus Bank Plan Merger
Durham-based M&F Bank will merge with South Carolina’s Optus Bank. The deal could allow the longstanding Black-owned bank to double its individual lending capacity.
However, the planned loss of the historic M&F brand has raised concerns among some community members. (Axios)
Raleigh-Based AgEye Technologies Uses AI to Improve Farming
AgEye Technologies is using artificial intelligence to automate farming systems and optimize environmental controls.
The Raleigh-based company is scaling its technology globally while partnering with regional efforts such as Green Blue Marketplace. Its work could help address food insecurity, improve agricultural efficiency and strengthen access to fresh food in underserved communities. (Triangle Business Journal)
Reehl Fine Art Gallery Is Coming to North Hills
Reehl Fine Art plans to open at North Hills in November. Founders Willa Kane and Caroline Boykin want to connect Raleigh’s growing corporate community with high-quality artwork while creating more opportunities for local artists. (The News & Observer)
North Carolina Competes for Billions in New Investment
North Carolina has 255 active economic-development projects in the pipeline, representing as many as 730 potential jobs and up to $53 billion in new investment.
The projects span several major industries, including energy, automotive, food and beverage, and life sciences. Nearly half reportedly involve foreign direct investment. (WRAL)
Celebrate National Coworking Day Around Raleigh
National Coworking Day is Sunday, August 9, offering remote workers and entrepreneurs an excuse to step away from the home office.
Newer Triangle coworking options include:
- Switchyards in Boylan Heights
- Flourish Coworking at Raleigh Iron Works
- Cary Founded in downtown Cary
Before visiting, check each location for membership requirements, tours, day passes and weekend hours.
Foley & Lardner Leases Office Space at North Hills
Foley & Lardner LLP has leased approximately 15,000 square feet at North Hills. The law firm currently has nine local employees and works with clients in industries including innovative technology and manufacturing.
The company is reportedly exploring opportunities to expand its Raleigh team. (Triangle Business Journal)
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From new restaurants and retail openings to housing, transit, conservation and economic development, Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle are continuing to evolve.
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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |
Editor’s note: Opening dates, event details and development plans may change. Check with individual businesses, venues and organizations for the latest information.
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