Step into Downtown Apex, the “Peak of Good Living,” and you’ll immediately feel its heart beating strong. At the vibrant core, on North Salem Street, you’ll find textile artist Cynthia Mollenkopf, the visionary behind Cocoon Gallery since 2017. Cynthia knows the rhythm of this cherished thoroughfare—a constant hum of creativity, community, and the promise of change.
Cocoon Gallery is a kaleidoscope of artistry, nurturing a dynamic roster of 70 to 80 artists. Imagine: larger-than-life felt creations that ignite the imagination, colorful rugs that demand a closer look, and shelves brimming with unique trinkets and treasures, all bathed in the warm embrace of natural light. It’s a haven for discovering that perfect, handcrafted piece, whether you stumble upon it in person or find it online.
Cynthia is more than a shop owner; she’s a passionate steward of Apex’s evolving small business ecosystem. She’s lent her voice to major development decisions, watched new ventures bloom, and fostered connections with her entrepreneurial neighbors, embodying the collaborative spirit that defines downtown.
The highly anticipated Salem Streetscape project—a bold vision for a pedestrian-friendly North Salem Street—has been on the horizon since 2019. Cynthia, like many, was excited for the transformation, understanding that construction might bring temporary lulls in foot traffic. But the dream of a revitalized downtown pushed them forward.
“What we didn’t expect is that the landlords were then going to raise the rent,” she shared, highlighting an unexpected challenge for businesses like hers.
While reluctant to share specifics, Cynthia noted her store’s rent increase, suspecting her neighbors face similar adjustments. This new pressure arrives as construction has already subtly impacted sales, estimated around a 10% dip. It’s a testament to the resilience of Apex’s entrepreneurs that they navigate these waters with such dedication.
Many North Salem Street businesses have indeed noted decreased foot traffic, and the sounds and dust of progress can make outdoor dining less appealing. But here’s the crucial message we want to share with our North Carolina community:
**Downtown Apex is OPEN for business, and it needs YOU!**
“We’re really fighting a perception of downtown not being open, because if you go downtown, you can get into every business,” Town Manager Randy Vosburg affirmed to the INDY. “The sidewalks are open, the road is open for traffic flow. We’ve got plenty of parking.”
Downtown Apex, with its charming brick facades and historic roots dating back to the 1910s, is a beloved destination for North Carolinians. It’s a vibrant tapestry of unique gift shops, quirky oddity stores, and cherished mom-and-pop restaurants and breweries that thrive on curiosity, local word-of-mouth, and their collective, inviting presence. Every visit supports a dream.
The roughly $4.7 million Salem Streetscape project, which began in January, is shaping North Salem Street into an even more captivating destination. Imagine “staggered parallel parking, widened paver sidewalks, urban street trees, decorative light poles, string lighting, planter boxes, wayfinding signs, street furniture, and so much more,” as promised on Apex’s website. This is more than construction; it’s an investment in the future, creating an unparalleled experience for residents and visitors alike.
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