Cary, NC Epic Games, the company best known for its hit Fortnite, announced plans on Sunday to convert the Cary Towne Center mall into a new campus.
Epic plans to turn the mall into a 980,000-square-foot global headquarters by 2024, canceling its plans announced last year for a mix of office, retail and residential spaces.
The announcement caused a lot of buzz in the community, with some feeling that the corporate headquarters will make a much better use of the space that has been difficult to remain open over the years. However, some residents are disappointed with the loss of shops and locations for residents.
Epic Games currently operates on Crossroads Boulevard in Cary. By moving to the shopping center, office buildings and recreational areas will be created.
Not everyone is on board. A viewer on WRAL’s Facebook page agreed, calling the announcement “devastating news for those who have waited for Cary Towne Center to turn into something nice.”
The original plan, with a groundbreaking plan for February, included up to 1.2 million square feet of office space in seven buildings, 360,000 square feet of retail space, 1,800 residential units of various sizes, a 450-room hotel and 10 acres of parks and plazas.
In 2018, furniture retailer IKEA had plans to take over the mall, but withdrew.
Across the street, construction is already underway on Fenton, an over 90 acres development along Cary Towne Boulevard that will open later in 2021 with a mix of retail, offices and apartments.
Only a few stores are currently open in Cary Towne Center, including Belk. Most of the shopping center is closed.