Up-and-coming try-before-you-rent clothing biz is taking off in the Triangle.
It’s a familiar problem: A full closet but nothing to wear. Raise your hand if you can relate. … After constantly running into this issue and watching their bank accounts take hit after hit for dresses they would only wear once, NC State seniors Emmy Weiland and Amelia Zahn founded TrenLend, a dress rental biz that answered the ever-present “I have nothing to wear!” battle and didn’t break the bank. A win-win for all the fashion girlies (!).
The rental clothing concept has been gaining traction for years—see: Nuuly and Rent the Runway, among others—but Weiland and Zahn found the sites frustrating because most of the pieces they rented didn’t fit or arrive as expected. So, in 2022, the pair started an Instagram account renting their formal dresses out of their sorority houses, with the added op of allowing people to try them on first.
After a year geared toward the college market, the dynamic duo decided a complete rebrand was in order to expand their audience to women of all ages and sizes. “Ever since then, we’ve been working on growing our online platforms like TikTok, Instagram and our website,” says Zahn.
Originally operating out of a warehouse, the chic pair opened their first storefront in Cary in August, catering to everyone from wedding attendees to high schoolers shopping for homecoming or prom to those just looking for a fresh ’fit to wear out.
“That came through more styles, more sizes and just better brand awareness,” maintains Hahn, noting they created a focus group of students in different fashion and textile programs to ensure their products have the range and reach the duo intends. Now, dress styles range from preppy to cool to classic—and the storefront offers more casual pieces as well. Dressing to impress without breaking the bank? Sign us up!trenlend.com
APATT is hitting the road thanks to a sizable check from The Kelly Clarkson Show.
A Place at the Table has gone viral—again. And this time, the buzz comes with plans for a new food truck launching later this year expanding the uberpopular pay-what-you-can-cafe’s reach. Literally.
The meals on wheels are thanks to the contribution of an unexpected donor: singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson (!). On a third The Kelly Clarkson Show appearance in January, APATT Executive Director Maggie Kane received a surprise $100,000 check to expand the nonprofit—which Clarkson had also already dubbed one of her 12 Good Neighbor of the Year nominees early last year.
With the surging demand for its brick-and-mortar, Kane sees the food truck as a natural next step. “We’ve been dreaming of what’s next for A Place at the Table, and at West Hargett Street we are at capacity,” she says of the 200 to 300 people the cafe feeds per day. “We’re serving more and more people every single day than we ever thought was possible—but, at the same time, there are communities who can’t get to A Place At The Table, so how do we reach those communities?”
Answering the call for its benevolent biscuit sandwiches and quick-service food, the truck hopes to extend its reach to many communities all over, says Kane, with the capability of feeding an additional 200 people a day. And partnerships with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club will further help APATT increase revenue and expand into the catering market.
Clearly, the communal cafe’s reach speaks for itself. Its big win didn’t come through an application or lottery—but was found and selected by The Kelly Clarkson Show and nabbed the final win thanks to community votes. And Kane didn’t learn of the recognition until the show “randomly reached out” to MIX 101.5 to break the news.
“It just speaks so highly of what this community has done and how it’s supported [us],” reflects Kane. “It’s really reaffirming overall that this community has our back and really values A Place at the Table—and loves this mission and the work we do.” Who knew an American Idol icon would play such a pivotal role in keeping Raleigh fed?!tableraleigh.org
The current “it” cup—and its long line of predecessors
Stanley cups are currently wreaking havoc. Perhaps you even witnessed a physical altercation at your local Target over a limited-edition shimmery pink stein. (Fun fact: NC clocks the fifth highest demand for them in the country). … Point is, they’re everywhere—but the current “it” water bottle isn’t exactly the first to have a moment. And these acclaimed H2O vessels show shorter trend cycles than most other everyday objects, with a select set peaking in recent years (we see you, Hydro Flask!). But none of these storied predecessors have fostered the frenzy of the Stanley cup—and no one really knows why.
Amid the hydration hysteria, it leaves one to wonder: Why do these trends ebb and flow so frequently? Reusable bottles initially became popular among the “crunchy” (read: granola) eco crowd to slow the use and production of single-use bottles in the ’70s (see: Nalgene). Yet, by the late 2000s, they became rooted in our culture.
The rise of social media soon followed. Ever heard of the emotional support water bottle wave? … Not just a vessel for health and fitness, but a trendy and aesthetic lifestyle token, these bottles became a beacon of social standing—something you carry with you at all times, much like a purse. And who wants to be seen carrying an outdated bag?
So, whether you fought tooth and nail for a sparkly Stanley cup this winter or you’re all in on your OG bottle of choice, here’s what your go-to vessel says about you. Drink up!
As Raleigh rapidly grows upward, will we be ready when the next fire ignites?
Seven years ago, a fire raged in Downtown Raleigh, burning the construction site of The Metropolitan Apartments to the ground and damaging 10 other buildings. The five-alarm fire—which persisted late into the night—was the biggest in Raleigh in almost 100 years.
Nash Square’s Fire Station 1 (South Dawson Street) played a direct role in extinguishing the flames, working swiftly to ensure no one was injured or killed—and RFD was later applauded by the city for its efforts.
But in the aftermath of those heroic measures, the blaze resulted in a devastating $50 million in damage to infrastructure and proximal businesses—not to mention lingering effects on their livelihood. Smoky Hollow’s Clouds Brewing and Little City Brewing, for example, incurred significant interruption and financial devastation as shutdown streets brought business to a grinding halt, impacting ease of access to the popular destinations for months.
Since that harrowing conflagration in March 2017, Raleigh’s rising skyline is all but unrecognizable, with a plethora of towers since joining the horizon—and many more in development, specifically in Downtown and Midtown. For its part, the latter had only three high-rises of 10 stories or more that spring (Bank of America, Captrust and Midtown Plaza), with four more erected since and two in progress.
Disaster was curbed at The Metropolitan because Raleigh fire personnel were at the ready—organized and well-equipped. But the proliferation of high-rises begs the question: What happens when the next fire burns? Is Raleigh ready?
Safety Standards
Fire safety standards are set forth by the National Fire Protection Association, which establishes a goal emergency response time of 320 seconds (aka 5.33 minutes). The NFPA breaks that goal time into an 80-second turnout and 240-second travel increments. This requirement serves to provide effective and efficient protective services and reduce the risk to life and property.
Raleigh Fire Apparatus
All 28 fire stations in Raleigh have at least one pumper truck capable of pumping at least 750 gallons per minute and several stations house battalion SUVs, cargo trailers and ATVs to boot.
Translation: The city’s fire apparatus is comparable to other sister cities of similar size—think Richmond, Austin and Nashville, which boast ladder trucks ranging from 100 to 110 feet tall. Larger cities such as New York and Miami house ladder trucks reaching similar heights, with Chicago able to reach 137 feet. Raleigh Assistant Fire Chief of Professional Development Ian Toms explains an 110-foot ladder is standard and works as an aerial streaming device to allow firefighters to dump a couple thousand gallons of water onto a building in an efficient manner.
Across Raleigh, top resources—including the most sizable stations and ladder trucks—are purposefully positioned in the most densely populated areas or in districts with concentrated infrastructure. “We’ve got nine ladders in the city right now and a 10th one on the way, and, with all the development, we are asking for more.” says Toms. “The 10th will generally be in the southeast area of Raleigh because that’s where this massive push is now.”
Nash Square’s Fire Station 1 is well-equipped to serve the Downtown area—as clearly evidenced by its response to The Metropolitan Apartments. Brier Creek’s Station 24 is able to serve The Westin and RDU via its on-hand 105-foot aerial ladder. And the Station 14(Harden Road) is a quick call from the well-populated Blue Ridge Corridor, including UNC Rex Hospital, PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium, equipped with a ladder truck, various vehicles and a mini-pumper (a smaller, less expensive pump truck that can pump at least 250 gallons per minute).
Centered in Midtown adjacent to Carroll Middle School, Station 9 (Rowan and Six Forks) serves an area that has arguably seen more upward—and outward—expansion than any single district in Raleigh since 2017, including the ascension of The Cardinal East Tower, the Advance Auto Parts Tower and—Raleigh’s third tallest building at 36 stories—The Eastern. Housing a pump truck and a Battalion Chief’s vehicle, Station 9 is ideally positioned to respond to any proximal emergency.
“Are we short ladder companies? Yes. Are we short personnel? Yes. The chief right now is advocating for us on that behalf.”
— Ian Toms, Assistant Fire Chief of Professional Development
The Station 9 Shortcoming
Between locations and resources, RFD stations are, with one exception, equipped to reach any rescue needs well under that benchmark 320-second goal established by the NFPA. The city’s only potential vulnerable spot is North Hills—which doesn’t house an aerial ladder truck, nor the space to store one in-station.
According to a firefighter at Midtown’s Station 9 we spoke to about the matter, any necessary ladder support must come from sister Station 4 (near Sawmill and Six Forks roads), where the closest aerial ladder sits, 3.5 miles north. Last paced in 2022, that route records a time of 380 to 480 seconds from North Hills—clearly exceeding the standards set by NFPA. Thus, with continued growth and taller infrastructure, the question of needing a ladder truck at Station 9 is no longer a matter of if, but when. According to Toms, the station isn’t currently set for a ladder truck—nor the station expansion necessary to house it.
Rezoning Rescues
The need to adjust apparatus to accommodate our city’s rapid growth is well-documented. In 2022, Kane Realty asked Raleigh City Council to rezone part of its North Hills properties to adjust the allowed 12-story towers to 37 stories. Among other concessions, the proposal included land for a larger building for Station 9, which would have provided room for a ladder truck appropriate to tackle the building heights at North Hills. City Council voted against the proposal, killing the immediate opportunity for a larger station.
So where does that leave us? According to Toms, “Everything we have now from the ladder perspective is state-of-the-art. … Are we short ladder companies? Yes. Are we short personnel? Yes. The chief right now is advocating for us on that behalf.” So, until new equipment is acquired, the city must make do with the apparatus we have.
Dec. 15, 1851
An apartment fire burned for 2 1/2 hours, leading to the destruction of 17 wooden buildings on Fayetteville, Hargett and Wilmington streets. The city’s first fire department was created as a response.
Nov. 6, 1915
Five buildings on Martin Street were destroyed in a printing shop fire, with embers lighting 10 additional fires in the area.
April 10, 1926
A fire in Dorothea Dix Hospital’s West Wing led to the evacuation of 1,000 patients.
July 3, 1928
Once “the social center of the capital,” the Yarbough Hotel was almost completely destroyed in a fire started in the elevator shaft that burned for ~five hours.
July 7, 1981
In what is considered one of the worst fires in Raleigh’s modern history, the Mangel’s Building on Fayetteville Street burned for three hours as 100+ firefighters from every department in the city battled the blaze.
Dec. 20, 1992
The contents and structure of the IGA Grocery Store on North Person Street were completely lost to a fire beginning in the ceiling of the building.
Feb. 22, 2007
A lazily discarded cigarette resulted in ablaze pine straw, effectually destroying two dozen townhomes in Pine Knoll Townes in North Raleigh.
March 16, 2017
Starting at the construction site of The Metropolitan Apartments, Raleigh’s biggest fire in almost 100 years burned through the night, shooting flames 200 feet in the air and destroying a construction crane. The Quorum Center, Link Apartments and nine other nearby buildings were damaged, leaving hundreds in temporary housing.
The 411 on a multitude of Raleigh projects taking shape.
There’s no doubt about it: Raleigh is on the rise. The City of Oaks was named one of the top 25 fastest growing places in the U.S. in 2023, coming as no shock to any local who has spotted the scad of construction projects popping up left and right around town.
The burgeoning developments are poised to benefit all—from one-of-a-kind office spaces to a public transit update coming down the pipeline (crappy commutes, no more?!). Here, we delve into projects coming out of the ground now or slated to break ground soon. Look at you grow, Raleigh!
Keep your eyes to the skies as a new high-rise is coming to Downtown. The 17-story tower sitting at the corner of Hargett and McDowell streets (aka the previous RPD HQ site, defunct since 2010) aims to align facilities, staff and technology with organizational needs and establish a centralized campus for city staff and citizens alike. As part of the Percent for Art program, 1% of the planned budget is eligible to be used for public art for the structure.
Current status: The construction crew is continuing to destroy sections of the building and sort debris, with a completion date TBD.
Current status: Construction is underway for Oberlin Hotel, with an anticipated 2024 opening; and Camden Village District is slated to be move-in ready by fall 2024.
Oberlin Hotel | Rendering courtesy of Quality Oil Company LLC/Quality Hospitality
Big things are on the horizon for North Hills. The area’s newest sector spans 33 acres across central Midtown (and stacks up to the tune of $1 billion) with infrastructure geared toward preserving green space and bolstering local businesses. One high-rise making its debut is the 17-story Tower 5, boasting 322,000 square feet of office space, common areas and ground-level retailers—including indoor cycling studio HomeTurf. And when it comes to residential and retail spaces, the district doesn’t lack. Find in-the-works St. Albans Lofts gearing up to offer high-class living spaces, and Makers Alley, the district’s micro-retail shopping area located under the Channel House apartments, hosting seven local and female- or minority-owned storefronts opening in the coming months. Tributary, a mix-used complex named for the adjacent creek, is also shaping up to benefit small business owners with the addition of “live-work” units, where they can open up on the ground level and live directly above.
Current status: Tower 5 construction is well underway and slated to be completed by summer 2024; St. Albans Lofts are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025; and Makers Alley will open seven storefronts this spring. Tributary is scheduled to begin construction mid-2024.
Bus Rapid Transit
Raleigh is growing and going. Bus Rapid Transit is cruising to Wake Co. with fast, reliable and frequent transit—not to mention ~20 miles of routes along main corridors. What’s more, planning and design for the New Bern Corridor, which will connect DTR to WakeMed and New Hope Road, has been completed and construction is set to break ground in mid-2024 after a public preconstruction meeting is held.
The Southern Corridor, set to link Raleigh and Garner; and the Western Corridor, connecting Raleigh and Cary, are still in the preliminary design process—read: finishing 30% of the final product design. The Northern Corridor, which will bridge Downtown Raleigh and North Raleigh is still in the planning stages. Note: Don’t sell your car for parts just yet—the project isn’t expected to be fully up and running until 2035.
