Cary Approves Major Mixed-Use Development Along Highway 55

A large mixed-use development in west Cary finally has the green light after a rezoning process that stretched for nearly four years.

Town Council unanimously approved the Alston Commons rezoning on Sept. 24, allowing approximately 22.7 acres across from Alston Town Center on N.C. 55 to be redeveloped with between 500 and 625 apartments.

The project can also include up to 200,000 square feet of office space and 55,000 square feet of commercial development, including a car wash.

The properties are located at 4404 N.C. 55, 1629 Petty Farm Road and an adjacent unaddressed parcel.

Earlier versions of the proposal allowed buildings as tall as 10 stories. After feedback from Cary and nearby residents, the maximum height was reduced to seven stories.

The final zoning conditions also require between 50% and 75% of parking to be located in parking decks and at least 48 electric vehicle charging spaces. The overall development is also expected to include more than 20,000 square feet of community gathering space.

The approval also requires 5% of the apartments to remain affordable for 30 years for households earning no more than 80% of area median income.

Don’t expect to see a giant apartment complex begin construction anytime soon. The rezoning is only one step in the process, and detailed development plans and other approvals would still come later. We are likely still years away from a majority of the construction being completed.

But after nearly four years in Cary’s rezoning process, the project now has permission to move forward.

Additional reading: Town of Cary