Carolina Square
The Carolina Square development expects to open several new businesses in early 2018. The mixed-use complex, already home to Target and the apparel store Alumni Hall, opened in July 2017 and continues to grow as a cultural hub for downtown Chapel Hill.
The new businesses include retailers like Francesca’s, a popular women’s clothing boutique, and Arrow, a hair salon that serves complimentary beer. In February, Carolina Performing Arts is set to open Current, an ‘ArtSpace+Studio’ that combines physical and performance art.
“The physical location (of Carolina Square) is absolutely key for connecting the different sides of our town,” said Meg McGurk, executive director of the Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership. “It brings students and locals together in a very tangible way.”
The development also expects to open Purvelo, an indoor cycling studio, in late January. The company has locations in Charlottesville, Va., and Auburn, Ala., which use electronic music and lights to create a unique exercise experience.
“Health and well-being are very important for our community,” said McGurk about Purvelo. “I think we’re going to see this engaging not only the people in the Carolina Square apartments but most of the town.”
Varsity Theatre
The Varsity Theatre, located on Franklin Street, started showing first-run movies on December 29. The shift from post-theatrical release showings was a response to competition from online streaming services and the Silverspot luxury theater.
“Over the last two years, we weren’t getting the movies fast enough,” said Paul Shareshian, manager of the Varsity Theatre. “By the time we were screening them, you were able to stream them on Netflix. It just didn’t make sense to wait for them.”
