75 years. One location. A case study in durability.

Feb 11, 2026 | News

A recent Southern Living profile on Raleigh’s Players Retreat highlights something building owners and business owners don’t see often—a tenant that has survived multiple cycles without losing relevance.

Why this matters in real estate terms:

  • Location compounds over time — adjacency to N.C. State and neighborhood integration created sustained demand
  • Consistency > constant reinvention — operations evolved without erasing the core identity
  • Community-aligned tenants reduce risk — loyalty provides downside protection
  • Targeted upgrades preserve cash flow — adapt incrementally, not reactively
  • Control of the dirt is the long game — the owner’s goal: buy the building and secure a 99-year lease

Takeaway:
Longevity isn’t luck. It’s the result of location quality, lease strategy, and alignment between tenant, building, and community.

Short-term decisions rarely support long-term value.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/legendary-north-carolina-dive-bar-201000087.html

Dylan Cunningham

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.