Diverse ‘micro-retailers’: See what’s coming to North Hills’ $1B Innovation District

Chantal Allam

North Hills’ $1 billion innovation district is getting its own “Makers Alley” and, at the outset, owner Kane Realty is focusing on diversity.

Four years after Kane Realty first unveiled ambitious expansion plans for a 33-acre development within Raleigh’s Midtown, the developer has unveiled the lineup for its mix of “micro-retail units” inside Channel House’s 14,000-square-foot of ground-level retail, which opened last year.

Billed as a hub for “hyperlocal purveyors, makers and artisans,” spaces range from 350 to 900 square feet.

Seven retailers recently signed leases, Kane Realty said:

  • Amelia’s Flowers: ‘Build-your-own’ bouquets and pre-made arrangements by Mattie Bush.

  • The BalloonZ Shop and Teal HouZ: Balloon installs, boutique party goods and fashion for teens and tweens by Tonya Terry and Summer Sky.

  • Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar: Hot yoga room, meditation room, contrast therapy and smoothie bar by Emily Coules.

  • Green Rabbit Plants: Houseplants, planters and accessories designed for home living by Julie and Will Lin.

  • Hellbent: Curated clothing, accessories and lifestyle collections by Anna Zarlinga.

  • Ky’s Kandles: Luxury, refillable candles hand-poured by Kyla Smith.

  • HomeTurf: Indoor cycling experience revolving around community, connection, movement and music by Julie Ferrer.

All will set up shop in Makers Alley, except HomeTurf, which will be in Tower 5, slated to be complete by the summer of 2024.

“We believe that these locally owned businesses, led by talented women and minorities, will contribute to the inclusive community we aim to foster,” said Stacey Buescher, Kane Realty’s managing director of operations.

North Hill’s $1B Innovation District

To date, Kane Realty, one of the Triangle’s most influential developers, has delivered a handful of residential projects as part of the district — including Vine Apartments in 2020 and Channel House Apartments in May 2023.

A rendering of Tower 5, a 17-story office tower under construction in North Hill’s ‘Innovation District’ and slated to be complete by the summer of 2024.
A rendering of Tower 5, a 17-story office tower under construction in North Hill’s ‘Innovation District’ and slated to be complete by the summer of 2024.

The firm is also constructing a 17-story office tower named Tower 5, slated to be complete by the summer of 2024, and St. Albans Lofts, a six-story residential building on the corner of St. Albans Drive and the Hardimont extension.

A new six-story residential building called Tributary, just south of St. Albans Drive and to the east of Tower 5, is also in the works.

Once complete, the district will have two high-rise office towers totaling 700,000 square feet, four residential buildings, 60,000 square feet of retail space and a two-story food hall.

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