Development Overview

Planning for the development of the Northwoods Jordan Building, located downtown on the southeast corner of Harrison Avenue and Chatham Street, has been underway for more than ten years. This site, which includes property owned by Cary, Northwoods Jordan Building, LLC, and the First Baptist Church of Cary, is within the Central Chatham Subarea of the Downtown Special Planning Area. The Cary Community Plan envisions Chatham Street as downtown’s main commercial corridor with vertically mixed-use buildings that accommodate retail, dining, and office on the ground floor with residential units on upper floors.

Northwoods Jordan Building "Meridian Cary" on W. Chatham St.

Property presently owned by the Developer is shown in blue, by the Church in yellow, and by Cary in red.

To foster economic development in alignment with the goals of the downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and the Cary Community Plan, Cary has entered into an agreement with the developer and church to redevelop this underutilized land. The project involves the exchange, purchase, and re-subdivision of property into a resulting project site of approximately 4.8 acres and 0.7 acres. 

The development will construct 195 multi-family units, over 80,000 square feet of office and retail space and a four-level parking deck with approximately 466 total spaces. Associated public infrastructure including sidewalks, driveways, and surface parking; and stormwater collection and detention facilities will also be constructed. 
The agreement includes the following additional key terms, including:

• Construction agreements between Cary and the developer for construction of the deck and public infrastructure, including the stormwater detention facility.
• 222 parking spaces will be owned by Cary, with easements to the church for parking on Sunday mornings.
• Relocation of the Ivey-Ellington House.
• Provisions for the payment of liquidated damages in the event of construction delay.Eligibility of developer for BID impact fee initiatives by which Cary will pay water, sewer, multi-family recreation and transportation development fees due for the project.

Status and Schedule

• Town Council conducted two Work Sessions on a proposed agreement:
  • The first on April 26, 2016
  • The second on October 22, 2019
• Approved Development Agreement December 20, 2019
• Development Plan Approved January 18, 2023
• Groundbreaking Commenced Spring 2023
• Work continues on the Parking Deck, Multi-family Building and surrounding storm water improvements.  
• The estimated completion date is currently spring 2026.