Students can expect to continue seeing construction along Hillsborough Street this semester, as several new projects will soon begin development, and many current plans will continue production throughout the semester.
Six to ten new development projects are currently in the works on Hillsborough Street, including an Aloft Hotel, student housing and other buildings that will hold restaurants and retail, including a CVS Pharmacy, according to Jeff Murison, executive director of LiveItUp! Hillsborough Street.
Two of the major changes happening are the new Aloft Hotel, located across the street from the Bell Tower, and The Hillsborough Street Loft, which will be located next to the Alley. Both are set to be completed late summer 2015.
These two developments are expected to add an urban flare to the street, while also promising economic opportunities to the surrounding community, according to Murison.
Another addition being made is the renovation of the old Nehi Bottling Company. Originally, the Company’s location on Hillsborough Street was its main headquarters, bottling soda for many years. However, when it later became a warehouse, the building slowly depreciated.
The old Nehi Bottling Company structure has been in poor condition for many years. James Goodnight, son of Jim Goodnight, recently purchased the property and renovated it to its past grandeur for a new business to take over.
The Hillsborough Street Loft, located next to the Alley, is also currently undergoing renovations. The building is being redeveloped into six levels of residential housing above a commercial retail space on the ground level, Murison said.
Murison said the changes currently in the works are creating an “exciting time for Hillsborough.”
The overall economy of Hillsborough is increasing significantly, with food and beverage sales increasing every month and foot traffic increasing each semester.
The overall plan for new developments in the Hillsborough area is to increase the amount of student housing and commercial retail available, Murison said.
Not all residents and workers on Hillsborough Street have supported the renovations. Some have even gone so far as to relocate as a result of disruptive projects.
“We are sorry to see those businesses go, but we are also excited for the businesses and buildings replacing them. Like all things, they have a lifespan. People retire, the economy changes, people have new opportunities in their life. And that is what is happening on Hillsborough.”
While it can be annoying, Murison said it is a necessary part of the evolution of the street.
Nick Denbow, employee of the Alley, which is located beside a major construction zone, said the new development hasn’t had a major effect on business; however, his major concern lies with the lack of parking that will be available with so many new residents joining the area.
Based on the current incoming traffic and number of people that will live in the Hillsborough Street Loft, Denbow said residents are going to have a very hard time finding places to park.
Overall, most projects in the works have a few more months before students can experience the final product.
This semester, students can expect to see a number of buildings finishing construction. They can also expect to hear a number of announcements for new restaurants and retailers planning to move into buildings once they are completed.
Murison said about a half dozen projects are currently being discussed for the 2016-2017 school year.
Construction that began a year ago this month continues where Sadlack’s Heroes and Schoolkids Records were located on Hillsborough Street by the Bell Tower, on Jan. 6.
