WIDE OPEN SPACES

BY JANICE LEWINE

Cary is sporting a new crown jewel. Fenton, a dynamic, new, 92-acre mixed-use development will bring shopping, dining, residences and office space t the northwest quadrant of the Interstate 40/Cary Towne Boulevard interchange, delivering a unique and impressive amenity base to the eastern side of town. Named after Cary’s namesake, Samuel Fenton Cary (an Ohio Republican whom the town’s founder, Frank Page, considered his political idol), this pedestrian-oriented, vertically integrated community features local and national retailers, distinct food and beverage vendors, entertainment venues, luxury apartment living, Class A office space an boutique hotels.

Global real estate investment, development and management fim Hines, along with Columbia Development, a leading retail and mixed-use developer in the Southeast, have created Fenton in partnership with USAA Real Estate. Fenton’s eclectic architectural styles create a vibrant and sophisticated environment, inviting visitors and residents to enjoy its unique character. Distinctive attributes include ground-level restaurants and retail stores, 22 attractively designed paseos (passageways below buildings that connect parking areas to the main street environment), public art installations, bike lanes and electric vehicle charging stations.

STAGING THE OPENING

Construction on the development began in November 2020. Because of its large footprint, Fenton will open in stages. The first phase, whic spans 62 acres, includes 345,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and entertainment; 200,000 square feet of office space; a 357-unit luxuy apartment community known as The Allison at Fenton; and a 175-key boutique hotel. Future phases could include up to 1.2 million square feet of Class A office space, moe than 500,000 square feet of retail space, 925 multi-family units and two boutique hotels. The design kickoff for Fenton’s future phases will begin in the near future, and the entire project is expected to be complete within the next decade. “After years of hard work, we can’t wait to welcome the community to this one-of-a-kind, mixed-use district,” says Paul Zarian, director of Hines.

ENTERTAINMENT MECCA

Paragon Theaters introduces innovative new standards for moviegoers, including pod-style seating; a 200-seat Extreme Theater complete with a tilted, 66-foot-wide screen to optimize a high-definition, laser-pojected image; a 120-foot indoor/ outdoor bar in the lobby; and a 15-foot screen for outdoor movies or sporting event presentations. Customers can order freshly prepared food and beverages directly from their phones for in-seat dining.

As one of the fastest-growing restaurant concepts in the country, Sports & Social is sure to become a favorite place in Cary to watch multiple sporting events while enjoying gameday favorites, curated cocktails and local beer. The two-level sports bar also showcases live music and games like Skee Ball, hoops and Shuffle Puck

RETAIL THERAPY

Who doesn’t love to shop, especially in an upscale district that offers everything from clothing to cosmetics, home furnishings to jewelry and athletic gear to unique gifts—all within steps of one another? Fenton’s lineup of retailers includes those that have attracted a loyal following, such as Altar’d State, Athleta, Free People, Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Sephora, Southern Tide, Vestique and Williams Sonoma. Fashion boutiques like Arula, a mid- and plus-size brand; and The Gatorbug, which has locations in Raleigh and Atlantic Beach, and caters to women of all ages; have seen their popularity soar in recent years. Nike, the athletic footwear and apparel giant, brings personal service and digital integration to its new store concept, Nike Live.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, a family-owned business with four North Carolina locations—including one in the Village District—is opening a 5,000-square-foot store at Fenton, and owner Trey Bailey couldn’t be more pleased. “Of all our Bailey’s locations, it will be our prettiest store, gorgeous inside and out. Fenton is a first-class shopping center and we’e incredibly excited to be a part of it,” he says.

FOODIE HEAVEN

Fenton boasts an impressive list of eateries, some of which are unique to the Triangle—such as Colletta, presenting hand-crafted Northern Italian cuisine, and CRÚ Food & Wine Bar. Other local establishments are expanding into Fenton, such as Durham chef Michael Lee’s beloved M Sushi and Dram & Draught, highly regarded by whiskey, beer and cocktail enthusiasts at its locations in Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro.

Also taking center stage at Fenton are its renowned chefs—including Scott Crawford, who serves up mouthwatering, wood-fired aged steaks at Crawford Brothers Steakhouse; and Ford Fry, whose flavor-packed Tex-Mex creations fill his existing Superica locations in Charlotte and Atlanta.

Gelato—that tasty, frozen dessert of Italian origin—has even found a home at Fenton. Honeysuckle Gelato features 16 flavors, including six year-ound offerings like sea-salted caramel, dark chocolate, and brown butter pecan. Seasonal selections, take-home pints, vegan options and made-fromscratch cookies will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Wes Jones, cofounder of Honeysuckle Gelato in Georgia, says Fenton was a project they couldn’t pass up. “We have been very intentional about finding the right locations, and w feel incredibly lucky to have found a community that feels like a perfect fit,” he says. “Cay is home to some incredible restaurants, businesses and makers. It’s a town that can be enjoyed all year long. We’re grateful to contribute to such a unique, intentional and vibrant community.” The shop will feature a mural of a honeysuckle vine that blossoms with flowers and gelato cones along Fenton’s Main Steet.

To take advantage of fine Southen weather, every restaurant at Fenton offers outdoor seating in the form of open-air patios, covered dining areas or rooftop terraces.

SERVICE CENTRAL

Need a haircut, manicure or workout? Fenton offers them all, including salon services at Von Kekel Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa and Boardroom Salon for Men; convenient speed waxing at LunchboxWax; and nail and skin care services at Zen Nail Bar. Club Pilates delivers low-impact, full-body conditioning while The Joint provides routine and affordable chiropractic care. One Medical, a membership-based health care service, offers primary care services.

GREEN SPACES AND FENTON SQUARE

Fenton’s first phase sets aside 20 acres for green spaces in which to relax, enjoy a drink and soak up the sunshine. Some gathering areas have soft seating around fire pits, while others have the capacity to host large events, such as group yoga classes, tree-lighting ceremonies and ice skating. The central gathering space, Fenton Square, was named by the Cary community during a crowdsourcing event last year.

LUXURY LIVING

For those wanting to make Fenton their home, possibilities abound at The Allison, a stylish apartment complex located above Fenton’s retail spaces. The Allison offers several living options, from studios to three-bedroom units, that are filled wit elegant features and finishes. It also boasts a two-stoy gym, club room, dog park and state-of-the-art swimming pool perched 20 feet above ground. Apartment units will be available for lease this summer.

WORK IN STYLE

The Offices at Fenton povide modern, industrial design coupled with the newest in-building technology. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for abundant natural light, and balconies and terraces overlooking Main Street or the central plaza create a unique workplace experience. Compass, a leading real estate technology fim, is Fenton’s first ofice tenant and will occup 8,260 square feet.

A two-day, grand-opening event for phase one is being planned for June 4–5. Get the latest updates at fentonnc.com and follow @FentonNC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ENTERTAINMENT Paragon Theaters Sports & Social FASHION Altar’d State Arula Athleta Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Free People The Gatorbug Lululemon Nike Live Southern Tide Vestique FOOD & BEVERAGE Colletta Crawford Brothers Steakhouse CRÚ Food & Wine Bar Dram & Draught Honeysuckle Gelato M Sushi SOFT GOODS Archer Paper Goods Arhaus Pottery Barn Sephora Williams Sonoma SERVICES Boardroom Salon for Men Club Pilates Fifth Third Bank The Joint LunchboxWax One Medical Truist Von Kekel Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa Zen Nail Bar OFFICE Compass

Renderings courtesy of Hines