BURLINGTON, N.C. — Downtown Burlington is welcoming a wave of new investment as seven businesses open or prepare to open in the heart of the city. The additions bring a wider mix of food, fitness, art, professional services, and wellness to downtown. Several business owners are also investing in historic buildings by renovating older spaces for modern use. Among the new arrivals is Waypoint Wellness, a wellness center moving from Mebane to Burlington. Owner and founder Rhianna Cullen said the center supports law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical workers, and dispatchers. Its programs help first responders manage stress, trauma, and burnout through bodywork, education, art, and community activities.
“I developed a really good relationship with the building owners, and I believe in what they’re doing,” Cullen said. “They also really believe in creating a thriving downtown.”
Cullen said moving to Burlington places Waypoint Wellness closer to her home and personal community. The downtown location also creates opportunities to work with nearby businesses and organizations.
“Waypoint is very community-based, and I’m excited to be bringing that mindset to downtown Burlington,” Cullen said. “I always love the fact that art brings people together. Food brings people together.”
Other businesses opening downtown include Recovering Clay Studio, Moore Law Group, Exhale Studio, The Vault Bar, Miso Bowls, and The Burger Depot. The businesses offer pottery classes, legal services, yoga and Pilates, food, drinks, and entertainment. City leaders believe that variety can attract more families, professionals, and visitors while increasing foot traffic for businesses already operating downtown.
Three of the businesses, Recovering Clay Studio, Exhale Studio, and The Vault Bar, received small-business grants through the Burlington Downtown Corporation. The matching grants can help property owners and entrepreneurs pay for building renovations, business equipment, and exterior improvements such as signs, paint, and awnings.
“Having those incentives really helps with costs, specifically because there are so many costs to starting a business,” Downtown Manager Maggie Hogan said.
According to Hogan, improvements made to historic properties can also benefit future businesses by leaving the buildings with updated infrastructure and interiors. City leaders hope the concentration of new businesses will make downtown Burlington a stronger destination to live, work, shop, and gather.
“We have things that are for professionals. We have things that are for kids. We have things that are for teens,” Hogan said. “It’s exciting to get more diverse groups here.”
The city plans to hold individual ribbon-cutting ceremonies to recognize and promote each business. Information about downtown businesses, events, parking, and future openings is available at BurlingtonDowntown.com.