Cary’s Highway 55 corridor is getting a major facelift, and it’s about time. A whopping $25 million investment is transforming this once-boring suburban stretch into something actually worth visiting. Capital Growth Buchalter is leading the charge, bringing in four new restaurants, a medical building, and even a bank. The project ties into a larger vision, with the Wake BRT Western Corridor connecting downtown Raleigh to Cary by 2030. There’s more to this story than just fancy new buildings.

The Highway 55 corridor in Cary is thriving – and it’s about time. With approximately $25 million in new investment pouring in, this stretch of road is transforming from just another suburban thoroughfare into something considerably more interesting. Capital Growth Buchalter is leading the charge, bringing in four restaurants, a medical office building, and yes, another bank – because apparently we can never have too many of those.
Capital Growth Buchalter brings fresh life to Highway 55, investing $25 million in transforming Cary’s suburban corridor into a vibrant destination.
The timing couldn’t be better, really. The Wake BRT Western Corridor project is gearing up to connect downtown Raleigh and Cary with a slick 12-mile route featuring 20 stations. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B – it’s about doing it without losing your mind in traffic. The new Central Cary TIF District will further enhance this area’s connectivity and development potential. In an area known for its exceptional parks system, residents can enjoy numerous trails and recreational facilities just minutes away.
The project, set to wrap up by 2030, will mix dedicated transit lanes with regular traffic lanes. Smart traffic signals will actually give buses priority. Imagine that. The area will welcome a massive Life Time Fitness facility spanning 93,000 square feet at Alston Town Center.
This isn’t just random development. Cary’s 2040 Community Plan has been quietly orchestrating this transformation, pushing for mixed-use developments that people can actually walk to. The area’s becoming a magnet for high-end establishments, which makes sense given the growing number of retirees with disposable income moving to the area.
The whole thing is getting a lift from some clever financial engineering. Tax Increment Financing districts are funding public improvements without raising taxes – a neat trick that’s helping to attract even more development. It’s like a self-perpetuating cycle of growth, but with actual planning behind it.
The corridor’s transformation reflects a bigger shift in Cary’s development philosophy. The era of endless strip malls and cookie-cutter subdivisions is over. Instead, we’re seeing a push toward creating genuine destination centers that serve as regional attractions.
With improved public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and a mix of retail and dining options, the Highway 55 corridor is becoming exactly what modern suburban development should look like. No more endless parking lots – this is about creating places where people actually want to be.