Smoky Hollow Is Filling Up

Worth the wait, Smoky Hollow nears retail capacity with a half-dozen new standouts.

Turns out, in the case of Smoky Hollow, perception is not reality. At first glance the highly anticipated development that sprung on the scene midpandemic to big fanfare in 2021 may look, well, hollow—but the DTR destination is entering spring with all but one space spoken for. 

While winter in Smoky Hollow may have seemed more fizzle, less sizzle, the reality is a lineup of concepts are confirmed and in the works. Certainly, there’s no question the nascent Kane Realty Corp. district has faced hurdles—arguably an unprecedented experience for a developer known for Field of Dreams sort of home runs (read: if Kane builds it, they will come). 

But, for Smoky Hollow, it really boils down to patience, and, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. Ultimately, developments—no matter who devises them—are no less immune to pandemic woes than the rest of us. “Success in retail development isn’t guaranteed,” says Kane Realty Managing Director of Operations Stacey Buescher, “especially amid rising interest rates and construction costs.” 

Thus, opening a districtwide development in the height of COVID, many of the initial leases were signed when there was no “business as usual” for anyone. So local developers took chances on businesses—as did Kane, who was also vehemently committed to leaning into local and regional concepts in the Hollow. 

“We will always take chances on local businesses,” says Buescher, “understanding that setbacks may occur. The failure of one or two doesn’t define the entire project. Our commitment to bringing vibrant retail with a dynamic merchandising mix to Downtown Raleigh remains steadfast.”

Part of that commitment is patience. When Kane signed with Chapel Hill-based pre-Prohibition pioneer The Crunkleton, there was no way to know it would take years for the concept to open—thanks to 20% postpandemic rise in construction costs and crowdfunding efforts. Now, armed with a general contractor, permits and equipment—and after a January fundraising event at Smoky Hollow and another one coming up—the cocktail institution that’s garnered ink from The New York Times and The Bitter Southerner will no doubt play a palatable role in the Hollow’s retail renaissance.  

”We will always take chances on local businesses, understanding that setbacks may occur.” 

— Stacey Buescher, Kane Realty Managing Director of Operations

To boot, a roster of retailers is set to join already flourishing Madre, Dose Yoga, Midwood Smokehouse and Hause of Dogs. The brainchild of owners Michelle and James Park—the duo behind Raleigh’s iconic Shiny Diner and Peak City Diner in Apex—Tucker Street Diner will slide into the former J. Lights space. Fusing nostalgic charm and contemporary culinary innovation, its focus on classic locally sourced American fare with a modern twist and an artisanal coffee program look to redefine local dining—and perk up the Hollow—when it bows this fall.

A lease is also currently pending for a fitness concept to take shape across from Madre on the West Street side of the Hollow. And in the burgeoning retail row between that fitness outpost and Dose, the Hollow will welcome additional concepts to include Alaksha’s Indian Bistro, artisanal ice cream experience Morelia Gourmet Paletas (expected as early as this month) and Jet Set Modern Pilates. Also slated to bow this month across from Milklab on West Street is Noire The Nail Bar.

Doubling down on the development, Dose just re-upped its lease, and, next door, the team behind Madre is taking over the former New Anthem space with a new neighborhood bar.

That resurgence will also include activating what is arguably some of the hippest space in DTR—which has already held such events as Raleigh Fashion Fest, Now Serving, the City of Oaks Marathon finish line, and Bubbles & Brisket to great fanfare. All look to return, and Kane is working with DRA to further activate the space for concerts this spring.

Ultimately, says Buescher, “Smoky Hollow is proof you can create new thriving neighborhoods when you give it the right type of thoughtfulness and time.” Translation: Patience is indeed a virtue.