Happy Friday, Triangle!

We’re officially stepping into spring, and if you’ve looked outside lately… you already know what that means.

The pollen is around, and it’s only getting worse from here.

Even after all these years, I’ll tell you this, you can never be too prepared for it.

Now, here’s what’s been catching my attention this week.

There are so many new openings being announced across the Triangle right now, and honestly, there’s probably something new popping up just minutes from you.

So I pulled a handful of them together in this week’s BRIEF.

And I’d love to hear from you. Which one are you most excited about or want me to cover next? I’ll make sure to dig into it.

→ Before we get into it, quick heads-up. I’ve got a new video going live on my channel tonight, and wait until you see this one (spoiler: people have been moving from bigger cities to live in Raleigh… do you know why?). If you don’t want to miss it, just click here!

Anyway, here’s your D&M BRIEF:

[B]est Weekend Plans: The best events this weekend to get you off the couch
​[R]ealty Pulse: An at-a-glance answer to “How’s the market?”
​[I]n the News: You’ve probably wondered about Northgate… now we know
​[E]xclusive Listing: This is how most people see a home… 🥱😴
​[F]riday Favorites: Whataburger finally sets its opening date

Let’s get into it!

—Brette

[B]EST WEEKEND PLANS

EVENTS

BEST THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN THE TRIANGLE

SHOW Carolina Ballet Presents Snow White 📅 Mar 12–29 | Times vary 📍 Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts ​MORE INFO→​

EXHIBIT Art in Bloom 📅 Mar 18–22 | Times vary 📍 North Carolina Museum of Art ​MORE INFO→​

SPORTS WWE Friday Night SmackDown 📅 Mar 20 | 7:30 PM 📍 Lenovo Center ​MORE INFO→​

​Click here to see more events for the whole month!→​

[R]EALTY PULSE

REAL ESTATE MARKET Altos' Market Action Index An at-a-glance answer to “How’s the market?” SEE MORE ≫

REAL ESTATE MARKET Altos' Real-Time Market Profile All of today’s key market indicators in one easy-to-read chart, with trend lines to see how they’ve changed over the past three months. SEE MORE ≫

What it means: Things are still holding steady with a slight advantage for sellers, and prices have continued to inch up while inventory stays about the same. Buyers have a bit more breathing room, but well-priced homes are still moving, so sellers are still in a strong position overall.

[I]N THE NEWS

MALL REDEVELOPMENT Target to Anchor Redevelopment of Durham’s Northgate Mall Site READ MORE ≫

▷ Driving the news

Durham’s Northgate Mall is finally getting a new life. And honestly, if you’ve driven by that site anytime in the last few years, you know it’s been sitting there waiting for something big to happen.

Well, we finally know what that “something” is. Target is set to become the anchor tenant of a massive redevelopment on the 60-acre Northgate site, which will be transformed into a new retail destination called Ellerbe Square.

That’s huge.

Let me break down what’s actually happening here, because this project could completely change that part of Durham.

▷ A full reset for Northgate

The plan calls for demolishing most of the existing mall and former movie theater and replacing it with a new retail-focused development.

At the center of it all? A brand-new Target store.

Now, this won’t be Durham’s first Target. The city already has locations near Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard and Renaissance Village.

But this one is different. It’s designed to be the flagship anchor of an entirely new development.

▷ A site with a long history

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Northgate Mall opened back in 1960 and was active until 2017–2018, when its major anchor stores shut down. The property was purchased in 2018 for about $34.5 million, but redevelopment stalled.

By 2020, the mall fully closed.

And since then? It’s been sitting empty.

▷ What comes next

Plans for the rest of the site are still unclear, but the city has already outlined a vision for the area.

A more walkable, “15-minute” community.
At least 20% affordable housing.
And retail opportunities that support local businesses and underserved communities.

So while Target is the headline here, it’s really just one piece of a much bigger transformation.

▷ Why this matters for Durham

Here’s the big picture. This site sits between I-85 and downtown Durham, which makes it one of the most strategically located redevelopment opportunities in the city.

And after years of uncertainty, it finally has momentum.

If this project moves forward as planned, it could turn a long-vacant space into a major new hub for shopping, community, and daily life.

IN CASE YOU MISSED...

GROCERY EXPANSION Popular grocery chain plans a new store in Cary. Here’s what to know. Less than a year after Cary lost a grocery store, a new one has announced plans to take its place. Whole Foods Market will open its third location in the Wake County town. CLICK TO READ IT ≫

ECONOMIC INVESTMENT Duke Commits $203 Million Over Three Years to Expand Economic Opportunity in Durham and the Triangle Duke University and Duke University Health System will invest $203 million over three years to expand economic opportunity for the residents of Durham and the Triangle. CLICK TO READ IT ≫

RETAIL EXPANSION Grocery chain with cult-like following will open new Triangle store. Here’s when. A grocery store with a loyal fanbase is expanding in the Triangle. The Florida-based grocer Publix will open its newest location in north Durham next month. CLICK TO READ IT ≫

[E]XCLUSIVE LISTING

FOR SALE 1832 Sutphin Dr, Sanford This is how most people see a home… 🥱😴 Most people stop here… but you shouldn’t.

Let me show you what I mean. You can scroll past a photo like this all day… but the second you actually step inside, everything changes. Now picture this. Walking up the driveway. Sunlight hitting the front yard. That quiet, tucked-away feeling as you pull in. And then...

...you’re inside.

Here’s what you’re working with:

• Quiet, tree-lined setting
• Classic curb appeal
• Space to actually live, not just look at
• That “feels like home” energy the second you arrive

This is what I wish more listings showed.: not just how it looks, but how it feels.

So why stop at the front door?

Let me take you inside:

SEE YOUR FUTURE HOME ≫

[F]RIDAY FAVORITES

OPENING SOON Whataburger Texas-born burger chain expands in the Triangle with new Wake Forest and Raleigh locations; it's known for late-night runs and a cult following. Opening March 26 (Wake Forest) and April 9 (Raleigh) SEE THE RESTAURANT ≫

NEW VIDEO Inside Raleigh’s Most Charming Suburb (Pittsboro) WATCH IT NOW ≫

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TRENDING Disney Is Quietly Building Near Raleigh… Comment “DISNEY” on this reel and I’ll send you the full YouTube breakdown. There’s a lot more behind this than what you’re seeing here. WATCH THE REEL ≫

» Quick Pro Tip

Thinking about pressure washing your home? Do it before pollen peaks.

That yellow layer usually starts building fast by late March, and once it’s there… it’s everywhere. Getting ahead of it now keeps your home looking fresh longer and saves you from doing it twice.

→ Want it done right (and affordably)? We know a great power washer. Just reply with "WASHER", we’re happy to share our contact.

I have bought 6 houses, sold 5 and purchased land twice and sold once in my lifetime. The last 4 transactions were in this area and two were with Davis & Main! I will never use a different realtor! Brette and her team are true professionals with and touch of family and friend! I cannot recommend them enough! Try and you will see and agree!

—Mike C.

Thanks for reading the D&M Triangle BRIEF. See you next Friday! —Brette Davis

Want to stay in the loop between Fridays? Follow me on Instagram for real estate insights, local events, and what’s happening around the Triangle.