“You must destruct to construct.”

Mar 31, 2026 | News

If you’ve been through Salem Street lately, you’ve likely seen the disruption firsthand.

Streets are being torn up as part of the ongoing streetscape improvements in Apex—a short-term inconvenience tied to a longer-term investment in the downtown core.

What this signals:

  • Public investment in walkability, infrastructure, and aesthetics
  • Improved pedestrian flow → increased retail visibility and foot traffic
  • Stronger positioning for downtown tenants and property owners over time

For business owners: Expect near-term disruption, but plan for improved customer experience and access
For property owners: Enhancements like these often support rent growth, tenant demand, and long-term asset value

Projects like this tend to test patience in the moment—but they also tend to reshape how a market performs.

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.