East Chatham Street Apartment Project Seeks Height Hike
The proposed $100 million development would bring up to 400 new apartment units to Cary if approved by the town.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Commercial
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Developer Jeff Peterson has proposed a new mixed-use development on East Chatham Street in Cary that would add up to 400 apartment units to the area. The $100 million project requires a rezoning request to exceed the current 45-foot building height limit.
Why it matters
The proposal marks a shift in density for the area, as the developer seeks to build a 75-foot structure on the 3.6-acre site. This project would replace existing buildings with residential and retail space, requiring town approval to move forward.
The 3.6-acre site at 603, 605, 607 and 611 E. Chatham St. would feature 350 to 400 apartment units averaging 900 square feet each. The plan includes 492 parking spaces alongside 13,000 to 14,000 square feet of retail and 12,000 square feet of amenity space.
The players
Jeff Peterson
The developer leading the proposed $100 million mixed-use apartment project on East Chatham Street.
Cary Development Review Committee
The local municipal board responsible for evaluating site plans and initial zoning proposals for new town developments.
The details
The developer plans to demolish existing structures on the East Chatham Street site to accommodate the new high-intensity mixed-use complex. By seeking Town Center High Intensity Mixed Use-Conditional Use zoning, the applicant aims to increase building height by 30 feet over current local mandates. The project represents a $100 million investment to significantly increase housing inventory and ground-floor commercial space in the neighborhood.
Timeline
September 2026: The developer completed the $7.5 million land assembly for the four parcels.
Nov. 4, 2026: The developer will meet with the Cary Development Review Committee.
The Home Front
This proposal highlights the ongoing tension between suburban height restrictions and the push for high-density, mixed-use infill development. It follows broader trends in local land-use policy where developers seek to maximize vertical utility on aging commercial corridors.
Residents should monitor local town council agendas regarding the requested rezoning for the East Chatham Street corridor. Property owners in the surrounding neighborhood may want to participate in upcoming public hearings to voice how increased density will impact local traffic and infrastructure.
The takeaway
The proposed high-density project underscores how developers are increasingly targeting existing commercial parcels for residential expansion. Residents should keep an eye on the outcome of the Nov. 4 meeting with the Cary Development Review Committee to understand the project's timeline for potential approval.
Further reading
Learn more about local growth initiatives in the Cary section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Durham Herald Sun.
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