Courtyard construction brings promise of new shops and dining

For years, the Courtyard development in downtown Chapel Hill has fallen short of plans to transform the property into a hub for retail and dining.

But with construction moving forward on a new concept plan that will bring apartments and new business to the Courtyard by the end of the month, the once-bustling square could soon be revitalized.

The Courtyard, a walled-in brick space on West Franklin Street, has proven to be a disappointment in recent years as plans for redevelopment consistently fell through.

The property was mismanaged over the years, said Ted Kairys, managing partner of Kairys Group and a new manager of the residential development in the Courtyard. At certain points in its history it has thrived, but it definitely fell off a cliff about seven years ago.

He said eight apartments have recently been added to the development. The lease period began in August for the apartments, occupied mostly by graduate students.

An additional 16 units will be ready by August 2013, he said.

Kairys said he attributes the failure partly to permits not being approved by the town.

We wanted to re-do it, bring student housing to the site, bring some new retailers in and make the space nice, Kairys said.

Bruce Knott, who handles retail leasing at the site, said his goal was to bring some vibrancy back to that corner of Franklin Street.

Were trying to keep the feel that the Courtyard has, but supplement it with better restaurants and retail users, Knott said.

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Courtyard construction brings promise of new shops and dining