Proposed development could make Apex work-and-play space attractive for incoming tech employees

The project would feature shops, offices, and living spaces. It's not the only sign of growth there.

The Sweetwater Town Center is slated to be a space that is welcoming to the community in general and not just those who live here but all of the public, including those who eventually move to the Triangle.

"I think in the back of our minds, we're thinking about all those new employees of Apple and other companies, where are they going to live?" said Brett Gantt of Apex Town Council.

They very well could live at The Sweetwater Town Center. It would be built just off U.S. Highway 64 off Richardson Road. There would be 230 apartments, office space, and an area for events such as farmer's markets and concerts. There's even a grocery store planned.

"If it's not too big and just a modern feel with the same intimacy of downtown, I think that'd be great," said Bill Altman.

In terms of population, Apex is growing. The last census count put the population at nearly 59,000 people. That's more than a 55 percent increase in 10 years.

"I think it's going to be a great addition to what's already an amazing real estate market," said Meghan McCleery.

"We do have people who are like, 'please don't grow at all,' and we also have people who say 'okay, if we grow. make sure we grow in a way that protects the way that we are,'" said Audra Killingsworth on the town council.

As in a small town that's seeing big development.

"I think Apex overall has grown over," Killingsworth said. "It's getting hard to ignore us."

The development won't be finished for quite some time, but the groundbreaking for the next phase of the project is Oct. 21.