Apex weighs new downtown design

The Town of Apex is asking for feedback on a revitalization plan that could bring big changes to the historic downtown area.

During the pandemic, orange barriers along Salem Street, Apex's main street, marked off extra outside space for dining.

Under the new plan, backed by Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert, the extra space would stay, and the sidewalks would be widened, making the area more pedestrian-friendly. Trees would be added along the street to offer shade.

The $4.2 million plan would also revitalize the town's alleys with street art and gathering spaces.

The Town of Apex has created a fly-through video to show people how it would look.

Gilbert said the changes would enhance the area's already-busy dining and entertainment scene.

"We want to energize our entire downtown." Gilbert told WRAL News. "I want to see more people gathering in these gathering spaces. That’s something I really enjoy, because that speaks to community."

But the new plan would mean the end of curbside parking on Salem St. The town would replace the lost spots with 200 new parking spaces within a five-minute walk and dedicated drop-off areas on Salem.

Pam Thorpe opened her furniture store, the Rusty Bucket, on Salem St. 17 years ago. She told us she likes the proposed redesign, but is concerned about eliminating curbside parking in front of her business and others.

She's also concerned the construction project will cause more pain for small businesses already struggling to recover from the pandemic.

"I love what the town is wanting to do. I just wish they could blink their eyes and have it done," Thorpe said. "I hope everybody can survive it, because it’s going to make a big impact to businesses."

"I would say there’s always a vision, right?" Gilbert responded. "It takes a while to get to that vision to make it a reality. With that, there comes some compromise, if you will. There comes some growing pains."

There's still time to tell the town what you think about these designs. You can submit comments online, or attend an in-person meeting Monday, May 24 at Apex Town Hall.

If the Apex Town Council approves the plan, construction would start in summer of 2022.